"He doesn't mind, do you?" Lola demanded of John, and he answered so pleasantly and cordially that the child was persuaded to accept them, and was taken home by her mother in such a glow of gratitude that for the moment, at least, her pain was forgotten. American Beauty roses, at a dollar each, on the window-sill of a wretched tenement! An extravagance, no doubt, and yet I wonder if they would have better fulfilled their destiny had they met the usual fate of their fellows and been trampled under foot upon the floor of some crowded ball room. As Lola closed the door after Nellie and Mrs. Mooney, she turned to see John and her father eyeing one another, with the consciousness of the necessary interview showing in their faces. She laughed happily and, crossing to the Doctor, pointed to John, who stood rather stiffly beside the table. "There is John, father." "Humph," said he, coldly, determined at least that the young man's path should not be made too easy, "so I see." "I--I," began John, rather lamely, "I--er----" Lola laughed merrily, and catching one by each hand drew them together, looking up at them, her face so radiant that in a moment their stiffness was forgotten, and they joined in her laugh. "No use trying to be formal, John, while she is laughing at us." "No, sir," replied John heartily, as he accepted the other's proffered hand; "all that I am going to say is that I shall do my best to make her happy." "You won't have any great trouble there, my boy. She has always been happy, and always will be if--if you will always love her." "I think I may safely promise that," said John, smiling confidently. "It doesn't seem to be difficult." "You are very happy, you two," continued the Doctor, glancing from one to the other, "and will you believe an old man when he tells you that it is the only happiness that is real? A happiness so great that even if death comes, the memory is still the dearest feeling in your hearts. I have no sermon for you. God bless you, and help you, so long as you shall live." "We are having a little trouble already, Doctor, and I want your help," said John boldly. "I want you to tell her that she must marry me at once." "John," cried Lola, indignantly, "I haven't any idea at all of being married for months!" "Ah!" smiled the Doctor hopefully. "Perhaps, if you quarrel with him about it, we may get rid of him yet. That would be good news for me, yes, and for poor Dick Fenway!" "Don't tease," protested Lola, "and, anyway, Mr. Fenway isn't poor; he is a millionaire." "I suppose," said John, "that it is rather an obvious thing for me to say, but I don't like that man. It isn't that I am jealous. I was once, I will admit, but after last night I am not afraid of him. But he isn't on the level. I have the right to tell you now, Lola," he continued, turning to her. "I knew him in Cleveland two years ago. He comes here to your house, and takes you to theatres and concerts."