"Beloved little fairy," she whispered to her companion, "this excitement almost overpowers me. It was with the utmost difficulty I could control myself as we drove over. Our sweet Frances looks happy, but I do not think she suspects anything. Dear little one, are you certain, quite certain, that the hero of the hour has really arrived?" "Philip? I have locked him up in the dining-room," said Fluff, "and he is pacing up and down there now like a caged lion. I do hope the squire will be quick, or he'll certainly burst the lock of the door." The two ladies paced the South Walk side by side. "We'll give them half an hour," said Fluff. When this time had expired, she took Mrs. Carnegie's hand, and they both approached the open windows of the squire's parlor. When the squire saw them he rose and confronted them. Angry red spots were on his cheeks; his hands trembled. Frances was seated at the table; she looked very pale, and as the two ladies approached she was wiping some tears silently from her eyes. "Yes, look at her," said the squire, who was almost choking with anger. "She refuses him--she absolutely refuses him! She is satisfied that her poor old father shall end his days in the work-house, rather than unite herself to an amiable and worthy man, who can amply provide for her. Oh, it is preposterous! I have no patience with her; she won't even listen to me. Not a word I say has the smallest effect." "Because, father--" "No, Frances, I won't listen to any of your 'becauses.' But never, never again even profess to care for your father. Don't waste words, my child; for words are empty when they are not followed by deeds." "I must take an answer to Mr. Spens to-day," said Fluff. "Perhaps, if Frances thought a little, she would change her mind." These words seemed to sting Frances, who rose quickly to her feet. "You know why I can not help my father in this particular," she said. "Oh, I think, between you all, you will drive me mad." "Perhaps," said Fluff, suddenly--"perhaps if you saw the gentleman, Frances, you might be able to give a different answer. He really is very nice, and--and--the fact is, he's very impatient. He has arrived--he is in the dining room." "The gentleman who has purchased the mortgage is in the dining-room!" said the squire. He rubbed his hands gleefully. "Excellent! Frances will never be so rude as to refuse a rich man to his face. I look upon him already as our deliverer. I, for my part, shall give him a hearty welcome, and will assure him, if he will only give me time, that I will not leave a stone unturned to overcome my daughter's absurd infatuation. Frances, do you hear me? I desire you to behave politely to the stranger when he comes." "Perhaps I had better go away," said Frances. "No, no, dear Frances; do stay," pleaded Fluff. "I'll go and fetch the gentleman; I know him; he is really very nice." She darted away. Frances turned her back to the window.