I questioned the dear child this morning and she confessed, as indeed I suspected, that she is not indifferent to the attentions of the son of a neighbour of ours. But anyhow there need be no obstacle in that quarter. She is far too sensible and unselfish, as only I know. Surely there is not such a disparity of age as you seem to think! But perhaps I have said too much. Most sincerely yours, MELISSA MAYNE CHANCE. _Mr. Crabbe Hermitage to Miss Chance_. _April 5th_. MY DEAR MISS CHANCE,--I wrote to your dear mother two days ago to endeavour to ascertain whether you would view favourably the proposal which I wished to make. Her reply was, on the whole, encouraging, but it is far from being my wish that in seeking my own happiness you should sacrifice your own. More I will not permit myself to add until you have reassured my mind. Believe me, Your sincere Friend, THOS. CRABBE HERMITAGE. _From Miss Chance to Mr. Crabbe Hermitage_. _April 6th_. DEAR MR. CRABBE HERMITAGE,--Yes, mother told me all about it, and I think it is perfectly lovely. Of course I would never stand in the way of your happiness and you need not consider me at all. She is so happy about it, and of course I am too. Yours very sincerely, EDITH CHANCE. _From Mr. Crabbe Hermitage to Mrs. Mayne Chance_. _April 7th_. MY DEAR MRS. MAYNE CHANCE,--I have received a letter from dearest Edith which removes the only obstacle to the realization of the wish of my heart. Rest assured that my every endeavour shall be to prove worthy of this great happiness. If quite convenient I hope to call on the 9th instant to offer myself in person. Believe me, Your sincere Friend, THOS. CRABBE HERMITAGE. _From Mrs.-Mayne Chance to Mr. Crabbe Hermitage_. _April 8th_. MY DEAR THOMAS,--For I must call you this without waiting till to morrow! I knew the dear child would share our happiness. How could you ever doubt it? Only this morning she said there was no one in the world she would like better for a father than you. But I mustn't begin by making you vain! Oh dear! I wish to-day was to-morrow. Your MELISSA. * * * * * THE LAST-STRAW.