“I am anything but ‘somber’ over your proposition, Uncle August. I am simply trying to realize my great happiness,” he said, in a voice that vibrated with joy; “but what will Gladys herself say to this plan?” “Go ask her, my boy. I’ll bet a big apple she won’t say no,” returned the gentleman, with a sly wink and a chuckle. “Hold on a minute, though, Geoff,” he added, as the young man sprang to his feet to obey him, “I want to tell you a little more about the business part of the plan, before you get immersed in the lovely part of it. You’ve three months yet before you, as we do not want you to sail before the last of December, or the first of January—rather cold weather for a pleasure trip across the Atlantic, eh?” and he shivered at the thought; “but we can’t have everything just as we want it. Another thing; owing to some details connected with our Boston house, you will be obliged to sail from that city instead of going direct from New York.” “We occasionally have some very pleasant weather in January; perhaps the fates will be propitious and give us a pleasant passage,” said Geoffrey, smiling; “besides, I think I have heard that some of those Boston steamers are fully as comfortable and safe as those running from New York.” “Well, comfort yourself all you can, my boy. I don’t envy you, however,” retorted the elder gentleman, with a grimace. “Meantime,” he continued, “we shall want you over at the office to receive instructions and gain a little knowledge regarding your duties on the other side.” “I do not care how soon you set me at work,” Geoffrey eagerly replied, for he was longing with all his heart to become a man of business, and to feel that he was really doing something toward providing for his bride. “I imagine that we shall all have enough to do if there is to be a wedding,” said Mr. Huntress, smiling, “for mother and I want to marry our only daughter off in good shape, you know. There, that is all just now; you may go and find out how Gladys feels about it.” Geoffrey departed with a bounding heart, yet hardly able to realize the good fortune that had so unexpectedly fallen to his lot. He found Gladys in the music-room, running through some new pieces which he had purchased for her the day before. He went up to her, captured the two small hands that were evoking such sweet strains from the piano, and drew her to a small sofa that stood near. “My darling, I have a _very_ important communication to make to you,” be said, bending toward her and fondly touching her forehead with his lips. “‘_Very_ important?’” she repeated, archly. “You look as if it was very pleasant, too.” “It is to me, and I hope it will prove the same to you. What do you suppose our _paterfamilias_ has been proposing to me this morning?” the young man asked, with a luminous face. The beautiful girl thought a moment before replying, the quick color leaping to her cheeks.