"Bless you, bless you, Eve; I do believe you, for such have I ever found you, since thought has had any control over your actions. Desire Mr. John Effingham to come hither"--then, as the servant closed the door, he continued,--"and such I believe you will continue to be until your dying day." "Nay, reckless, careless father, you forget that you yourself have been instrumental in transferring my duty and obedience to another. What if this sea-monster should prove a tyrant, throw off the mask, and show himself in his real colours? Are you prepared, then, thoughtless, precipitate, parent"--Eve kissed Mr, Effingham's cheek with childish playfulness, as she spoke, her heart swelling with happiness the whole time, "to preach obedience where obedience would then be due?" "Hush, precious--I hear the step of Jack; he must not catch us fooling in this manner." Eve rose; and when her kinsman entered the room, she held out her hand kindly to him, though it was with an averted face and a tearful eye. "It is time I was summoned," said John Effingham, after he had drawn the blushing girl to him and kissed her forehead, "for what between _tête à têtes_ with young fellows, and _tête à têtes_ with old fellows, this evening, I began to think myself neglected. I hope I am still in time to render my decided disapprobation available?" "Cousin Jack!" exclaimed Eve, with a look of reproachful mockery, "_you_ are the last person who ought to speak of disapprobation, for you have done little else but sing the praises of the applicant, since you first met him." "Is it even so? then, like others, I must submit to the consequences of my own precipitation and false conclusions. Am I summoned to inquire how many thousands a year I shall add to the establishment of the new couple? As I hate business, say five at once: and when the papers are ready, I will sign them, without reading," "Most generous cynic," cried Eve, "I would I dared, now, to ask a single question!" "Ask it without scruple, young lady, for this is the day of your independence and power. I am mistaken in the man, if Powis do not prove to be the captain of his own ship, in the end." "Well, then, in whose behalf is this liberality really meant; mine, or that of the gentleman?" "Fairly enough put," said John Effingham, laughing, again drawing Eve towards him and saluting her cheek; "for if I were on the rack, I could scarcely say which I love best, although you have the consolation of knowing, pert one, that you get the most kisses." "I am almost in the same state of feeling myself, John, for a son of my own could scarcely be dearer to me than Paul." "I see, indeed, that I _must_ marry," said Eve hastily, dashing the tears of delight from her eyes, for what could give more delight than to hear the praises of her beloved, "if I wish to retain my place in your affections. But, father, we forget the question you were to put to cousin Jack." "True, love. John, your mother was an Assheton?"