"Well, Gray, the business is all settled," said Wilton, one day, coming into the office of the individual he addressed so familiarly. "What business, Charles?" "Why, I've won the rich and beautiful Miss Linton. Last night I told my story, and was referred to the old man, of course. I have just seen him, and he says I am welcome to the hand of his daughter. Now, is not that a long stride up the ladder! The most beautiful and attractive woman in the city for a wife, and an old daddy in law as rich as Croesus!" "You are what some would call a lucky dog," said Wilton, with a smile. "And yet there is no luck in it. 'Faint heart, they say, 'never won fair lady.' I knew half-a-dozen clever fellows who were looking to Miss Linton's hand; but while they hesitated, I stepped boldly up and carried off the prize. Let me alone, Walter. I'll work my way through the world." "And I, too, have been doing something in that line." "You? Why, Walter, you confound me! I never dreamed that you would have the courage to make love to a woman." "Wiser ones than you are mistaken, sometimes." "No doubt of it. But who is the fair lady?" "Can you not guess?" "Jane Emory?" "Of course. She is the most sensible women it has yet been my fortune to meet." "Has the best common sense, I suppose?" "Exactly." "You are a genius, Walter. When you die, I expect you will leave a clause in your will, to the effect that the undertaker shall be a man of good, plain, common sense. O dear! What a dull life you will lead! Darby and Joan!" "You are still a trifler with serious matters, Charles. But time will sober you, I trust, and do it before such a change will come too late." "How much is old Emory worth, Walter?" Wilton asked, without regarding the last remark of his friend. "I am sure I do not know. Not a great deal, I suppose." "You don't know?" "No; how should I?" "Well, you are a queer one! It is time that you did then, let me tell you." "Why so?" "In the name of sense, Walter, what are you going to marry his daughter for." "Because I love her." "Pah! I know how much of that sort of thing appertains to the business." "Charles!" "Don't look so utterly dumfounded, friend Walter." "I am surprised, and I must say pained, to hear you speak thus. Surely you love the young lady you propose to marry?" "Of course. But then I have a decent regard for her old father's wealth; and I am by no means insensible to her personal attractions. I group all that is desirable into one grand consideration--beauty, wealth, standing, mental endowments, etc.,--and take her for the whole. But for love--a mere impulse that will die of itself, if left alone,--to marry a young lady! O no,--I am not the simpleton for that!" Walter Gray looked his friend in the face for a moment or two, but did not reply. He was pained, even shocked at his levity. "You seem really to doubt my being in earnest?" said Wilton, after a pause.