The young lawyer started at this plain question; but as she gazed searchingly in his eye, he answered: "I never thought of him in that light. I know him to be a man who will succeed well in business. When he has made a few thousands, and Gertrude has four or five years more over her heads I don't know that I could offer any serious objection. Still men are so different in their intercourse with each other, from what they are with the other sex—I—" "Yes, that is it," she exclaimed, interrupting him. "I'll venture to say I know more about Mr. Dudley, in some points, than you do, after all your intimacy." "I've been with him several times to his home," murmured Edward as if speaking to himself. "Well, how did he act there? Was he a good son and a kind brother? I heard him tell Gerty he had four sisters." The young man felt his face flush as he recollected certain home scenes, which at the time had roused his indignation. He recalled also remarks Paul had made about his mother; and realized that after all, Hannah's opinion might be more correct than his own. The woman stood with an anxious face awaiting an answer, when he suddenly laughed aloud: "Nonsense!" he exclaimed. "Gerty has scarcely commenced her education. Paul is too honorable to engage her affections, till he is sure of my consent. When he asks me the question it will be time enough to refuse." She walked to the window with a sigh, but turned back suddenly and put her hand on his arm. "Look," she said, "and see for yourself. Oh, I wish her mother were alive!" Paul and Gertrude were crossing the lawn together. In her arms she carried a favorite dog, which seemed to have been injured, for she bent over it, pressing her cheek to its silky hair. Her companion was talking earnestly; and just as Edward reached the window, she raised her head and gave one shy, loving glance into his face. That gaze told volumes to the anxious spectators. Edward started, exclaiming in an angry tone: "If he has dared,—" when she interrupted him: "It is as I feared," she groaned, sinking back on a chair. "Now I beg you to be cautious, for the more you thwart her, the more resolute her determination will be. Oh, why did you bring him here!" "You knew him better than I. He is a rascal; and I shall tell him so." He caught his hat from the rack in the hall, and was starting for the door in an excited manner, when she again stopped him. "Edward, I am only an uneducated woman; and you have spent twenty-three years in piling up learning; but listen to me this once. I was right in thinking he was trying to win her. I may be, I think I am right now. Don't say a word to him 'till you are calmer, till you have thought it over for an hour at least. If she thinks he is treated cruelly, she will take his part, poor, innocent thing. If he is a gentleman he will speak to you before long."