"I object to that arrangement," protested Paul with rising color. "That must be my privilege, now." Though turning a shade paler, Hannah took no notice of his remark; but rising, brought the soft scarlet sacque, and assisted Gerty to put it on. The moment the door was shut, Edward turned to his guest, and with a kindling eye, asked: "By what right do you assert any care of my sister?" It was evident to both persons present that he was laboring under intense excitement which he was trying, however, to conceal. "Give me an hour and I will explain," was the cool reply. "I am at your service immediately;" and taking their hats, the two young men walked out to the linden grove, where they were soon seated on a rustic bench. CHAPTER V. IMPULSE VERSUS PRUDENCE. TWO hours passed. Hiram had gone to attend his young mistress home as usual, when, Hannah, whose anxiety was almost more than she could endure, heard Gertrude's step on the piazza. "Are you alone and in the dark?" the young girl asked petulantly. "Well I must say, I do like people to keep their promises. Where are all the people?" In the moonlight Hannah could see that her darling wore an ugly pout and that her cheeks were crimson. Trying to steady her voice, she answered: "Edward and Mr. Dudley went out together, directly after you did, and I have not seen them since." "Did you find Mr. Monroe, as agreeable a teacher as usual?" she added presently, as the young girl threw herself listlessly into a chair. There was no answer, to this; but after a few moments' silence, a sob was heard. "What is the matter, my poor child?" exclaimed the kind woman, approaching her darling and kissing her forehead. "You're like a child to me, you know; and you wont keep any thing back from one, who loves you better than herself." Gerty sprang up and threw her arms around Hannah's neck. "I do believe you love me," she sobbed, clinging to her oldest friend, "and you wont let Ned be cross now when—" "Don't be afraid to tell your own Hannah all that's in your heart, my dear child." "Well—well, Paul—Mr. Dudley, I mean, wants me to go and live with him in Chicago; and I'm almost sure Ned will—will say I'm too young." "But darling there'll be time enough to talk about that, when you have finished your education. You're getting on so finely now; and Mr. Monroe is so earnest to help you along, that in a few years you'll be like your own blessed mother. Then if Mr. Dudley and you are agreed, I don't think Edward will refuse his consent." "Chicago is so far away I should not be happy any more. He wants me to go now: he says he is sure of being successful. Oh, Hannah, I love him so dearly!" "Well, well, child!" said the woman resolutely checking back a sob. "I'd go to bed now. Why you're nothing but a baby; old Hannah's baby. I don't see how I can give you up yet."