“Now, my dear old friends, I wish to make a proposal to you that I earnestly hope may meet your views. I have a pleasant home here—very pleasant and healthy at all seasons of the year—but I am very lonely. I want a young and agreeable companion to share my solitude, and for such a one I should try to provide a happy home and instructive and profitable occupation and amusement. Your sweet girl here suits me precisely. If only I can make myself and home as attractive to her as she is to me, and if I can gain your approval, I wish to receive my young namesake in my house, on the footing of a daughter, a younger sister, pupil, companion—anything you wish, and on any terms you may please to suggest.” “You know, my dear Miss Emolyn, as far as I am concerned, you are heartily welcome to Em.’s company on your own terms. It is not for us to dictate to you,” said Susan Palmer cordially. Emolyn, smiling, replied: “You shall never have cause to regret the confidence you repose in me, Mrs. Palmer.” “Oh, I know that, Miss Emolyn. I know that.” John Palmer as yet had said nothing. Em., watching her father, felt a growing uneasiness. Emolyn came to the rescue by turning and inquiring of the silent man: “What do _you_ think, Mr. Palmer?” “I think, my dear lady, that we are all of us under very deep obligations to you; more, indeed, than we can ever hope to repay. As to our girl, I feel that you wish to take her quite as much for her own sake as for yours. But, madam, this is sudden, and under your favor, I think we all of us—your honored self as well as the rest—had better take a day or two to reflect before deciding,” replied John. “Very well. How long will you want to reflect on this, Mr. Palmer?” inquired Emolyn. (“Oh, the old aggravating, cud-chewing cow! He’ll diddle Em. out of her good fortune yet with his reflection,” thought Susan Palmer to herself, feeling more impatience at her patient husband than she had ever felt before.) John thought a moment before answering the lady’s question, and then lifting his head, he inquired: “Will to-morrow evening suit you, madam, to receive our decision?” “Thanks, yes, quite well, and I trust it will be a favorable one.” “I hope, my dear lady, that you know we are all very sensible of your great kindness to us,” said John, rising from his seat. “Oh, say no more about that, my good friend,” replied Emolyn. “I thank you, madam. We will think the more then if we speak the less. And now, my dear lady, we must say good-by, and be getting back to the manor-house,” said John respectfully. “Must you, indeed? I had hoped to detain you all day. I do not like to part with this dear child, who, I feel sure, reciprocates my affection,” said Emolyn warmly. Em., who was sitting by her side, impulsively raised the lady’s hand and pressed it warmly to her lips as in confirmation of the words.