So now they were going. Then Mr. Fountain thanked David for the pleasant evening he had given them; then David blushed and stammered. He had a veneration for old age--another of his superstitions. Her uncle's lead gave Lucy an opportunity she instantly seized. “Mr. Dodd, you have taken us into a new world of knowledge; we never were so interested in our lives.” At this pointblank praise David blushed, and was anything but comfortable, and began to back out of it all with a curt bow. Then, as the ladies can advance when a man of merit retreats, Lucy went the length of putting out her hand with a sweet, grateful smile; so he took it, and, in the ardor of encouraging so much spirit and modesty, she unconsciously pressed it. On this delicious pressure, light as it was, he raised his full brown eye, and gave her such a straightforward look of manly admiration and pleasure that she blushed faintly and drew back a little in her turn. “Well, Davy, dear, how do you like the Fountains?” “Eve, she is a clipper!” “And the old gentleman?” “He was very friendly. What do _you_ think of her?” “She is an out-and-out woman of the world, and very agreeable, as insincere people generally are. I like her because she was so polite to you.” “Oh, that is your reading of her, is it?” The rest of the walk passed almost in silence. “Uncle, I am not sleepy to-night.” “Who is? that young rascal has set me on fire with his yarns. Who would have thought that awkward cub had so much in him?” “Awkward, but not a cub; say rather a black swan; and you know, uncle, a swan is an awkward thing on land, but when it takes the water it is glorious, and that man was glorious; but--Da--vid Do--dd.” “I don't know whether he was glorious, but I know he amused me, and I'll have him to tea three times a week while he lasts.” “Uncle, do you believe such an unfortunate combination of sounds is his real name?” asked Lucy, gravely. “Why, who would be mad enough to feign such a name?” “That is true; but now tell me--if he should ever, think of marrying with such a name?” “Then there will be two David Dodd's in the world, Mr. and Mrs.” “I don't think so; he will be merciful, and take her name instead of she his; he is so good-natured.” “Ordinary sponsors would have been content with Samuel or Nathan; but no, this one's must, call in 'apt alliteration's artful aid,' and have the two 'd's.'” Lucy assented with a smile, and so, being no longer under the spell of the enthusiast and the male, the genealogist and the fine lady took the rise out of what Miss Fountain was pleased to call his impossible title, Da--vid Dodd. CHAPTER III.