"I do not understand it, but one thing I do know, Traverse! There is not such a man as the doctor appears in this world more than once in a hundred years." "Not in a thousand years, mother, and as for his daughter--oh, you should see Miss Clara, mother! Her father calls her Clare--Clare Day! how the name suits her! She is so fair and bright! with such a warm, thoughtful, sunny smile that goes right to your heart! Her face is, indeed, like a clear day, and her beautiful smile is the sunshine that lights it up!" said the enthusiastic youth, whose admiration was as yet too simple and single-hearted and unselfish to tie his tongue. The mother smiled at his earnestness--smiled without the least misgiving; for, to her apprehension, the youth was still a boy, to wonder at and admire beauty, without being in the least danger of having his peace of mind disturbed by love. And as yet her idea of him was just. "And mother, of course, you will go," said Traverse. "Oh, I do not know! The proposition was so sudden and unexpected, and is so serious and important, that I must take time to reflect," said Mrs. Rocke, thoughtfully. "How much time, mother? Will until to-morrow morning do? It must, little mother, because I promised to carry your consent back with me! Indeed, I did, mother!" exclaimed the impatient boy. Mrs. Rocke dropped her head upon her hand, as was her custom when in deep thought. Presently she said: "Travy, I'm afraid this is not a genuine offer of a situation of housekeeper! I'm afraid that it is only a ruse to cover a scheme of benevolence! and that they don't really want me, and I should only be in their way." "Now, mother, I do assure you, they do want you! Think of that young girl and elderly gentleman! Can either of them take charge of a large establishment like that of Willow Heights?" "Well argued, Traverse; but granting that they need a housekeeper, how do I know I would suit them?" "Why, you may take their own words for that, mother!" "But how can they know? I am afraid they would be disappointed!" "Wait until they complain, mother!" "I don't believe they ever would!" "I don't believe they ever would have cause!" "Well, granting also that I should suit them"--the mother paused and sighed. Traverse filled up the blank by saying: "I suppose you mean--if you should suit them they might not suit you!" "No, I do not mean that! I am sure they would suit me; but there is one in the world who may one day come to reason and take bitter umbrage at the fact that I should accept a subordinate situation in any household," murmured Mrs. Rocke, almost unconsciously. "Then that 'one in the world,' whoever he, she, or it may be, had better place you above the necessity, or else hold his, her, or its tongue! Mother, I think that goods thrown in our way by Providence had better be accepted, leaving the consequences to Him!"