"He says his success is in a great measure dependent on me," she answered in a pleading tone; "that a gentleman with a family can gain access to society where another would be excluded. I gave him my promise freely, and unless he releases me I shall hold myself bound to keep it." "Just the words he uses," muttered Edward angrily. "If he isn't good, and all that, why did you bring him here?" she asked in a triumphant tone. "I considered him a gentleman; and as I had paid repeated visits to his house, I wished to return his hospitality. To-morrow morning I shall go to New York for an interview with your guardian. You must promise me that this foolish affair shall proceed no farther until you have his sanction." "I have already given promises enough for one day," was her evasive answer, "besides, his opinion will have no weight with me. I know what is necessary for my own happiness." "The law gives him power, Gertrude." "Over my property," she rejoined laughing; "but not over my person." "Paul has an apt scholar, I see," he remarked bitterly. "He only taught me how to defend my rights; but seriously Ned, I wish you would tell me whether I have any money. I must buy wedding clothes, you know." "I have already enlightened Paul on that subject." Mr. Van Husen, Gertrude's guardian, was shocked at the intelligence Edward communicated; and declared up and down that the foolish child should not be allowed to throw herself away; that the wild scheme must be checked in some manner. But after the young lawyer had repeated his conversation with Dudley;—the cool determination of the lover to carry his point;—and the self-will which he was obliged to confess was a prominent trait in Gertrude's character, the white-haired old gentleman shook his head gravely. It is not necessary at present to state all that passed on this occasion, Mr. Wallingford returned to Rose Cottage with a heavy heart, resolved, however, to effect a compromise if possible; and on the plea of time to prepare a trousseau for his sister, to postpone the time of marriage until her sixteenth birthday, which would be a week before Christmas. Three days later Mr. Dudley had taken his leave, intending to make a hasty trip to Philadelphia; inform his parents of his new plans; and then proceed to Chicago, to establish himself in business. Through the aid of a relative, Mr. Lancester, one of the monied men of that rising city, he was enabled to write his old chum that his prospects were of the most flattering kind. He took an office with a popular lawyer, with the understanding, that if agreeable to both parties, they would eventually enter into a partnership. In October he wrote Edward again, (his letters to Gertrude were of weekly occurrence,) saying: