"Accepted the love so earnestly proffered," she added, interrupting him. "In that I confess I showed my weakness. I ought to have been sent to my room for a naughty girl; and have been made to learn an extra column from the spelling book." "Well done, Gertrude," he exclaimed, making the night air ring with his loud laugh. "You are really growing smart. I must have my wits about me when I measure lances with you." "Weapons of war require skill and strength as well as sharp wits," was her quiet answer; at which reply he was so much amazed he said not one word. In July Edward came on for another visit, accompanied by Hannah, who declared that she had no idea the United States contained so much land, as lay between New York and Chicago. Nothing but her longing to see her dear Gerty would have tempted her to come so far; and now she dreaded the journey back. "Perhaps Paul will let me go with you," urged Gerty glancing in her husband's face. "Only think it will be two years next Christmas since I saw my dear home." "I suppose I may as well tell you my plans now, as any time," remarked Paul, addressing himself to Edward. "I expect to sail fur France in September; to look up evidence in a patent case." "Ah! I'm glad of it; the trip will do Gerty good." The husband looked terribly embarrassed. "I had not thought of taking her with me," he said. "In fact it would be impossible. My expenses are paid by my client who accompanies me. It is a very important case; because there is a precedent to be established, you know." No one spoke. Gerty had walked to the window; and was trying to keep down the fluttering at her heart. "September is the month we have fixed upon," Mr. Dudley went on; "but it may be later." "Where do you intend to leave your wife?" inquired Hannah in the driest tone. "She has the house here at her disposal; but I suppose she would rather not have the care of housekeeping." "We'll gladly receive her at Rose Cottage," remarked her brother firmly; "but how long shall you be away?" "That is uncertain, as it depends on circumstances beyond my control. My client, Mr. Curtis, who is a man of wealth, expects some delay in Paris; and has invited me to make a trip to Rome." Mr. Wallingford remained two days longer than he intended that Hannah might return with him, their plans being entirely changed by Paul's new project. The New York lawyer resolved, if it were in his power, not to be outdone in shrewdness by the Chicago one. He learned, through Bridget, that a lady had been to hire the house furnished, for one year; with liberty to renew the lease; and keeping this knowledge in his own breast, he went to Paul's office for a quiet talk. "I have been thinking what is best to be done," he began at once. "Of course we shall be delighted to have Gertrude at home; and as your stay is uncertain, why not allow me to rent the house I gave her, which with her furniture will support her in comfort till your return."