Doctor Baldwin then gave this physician a full history of Dr. Hudson's family, and of the fact of his having been so charmed with Ella as to fall in love with her and make her an offer of his hand. "I hardly think your mother will approve of that," said the physician. "No," replied Baldwin. "So far from approving, she is incensed beyond measure, calls her a low-born creature, and says she shall never cross her door." "Then I should say that you are in rather an unpleasant dilemma." "I am. And I want you to help me out of it, if possible." "A thing that I shall be very ready to do, if you will point out the way. I have seen this Miss Hudson several times in families where I visit professionally, and have heard her spoken of as a girl of no ordinary character. You wish her invited, of course?" "Yes, that is what I was coming to. I want her not only invited, but I want you to show her particular, even marked attentions." "Very well. I understand what you are after. All shall be done as you wish. I think we shall make your mother change her opinion a shade or two." And the physician smiled. Before evening Doctor Hudson received a note requesting the pleasure of Doctor and Mrs. Hudson's and Miss Ella Hudson's company at the house of Doctor B—. The compliments of Doctor and Mrs. B— were expressed, of course. Though a little surprised, all the parties invited made preparations to go to the party. When the evening came, Dr. Baldwin went with his mother and sisters. Since the first mention of the subject that had caused such an expression of indignation by Mrs. Baldwin not a word of reference had been made to it. There was, of course, coldness and reserve between the mother and the son. The party proved to be a large one; and at least one half of those present were strangers to Mrs. Baldwin. "Who is that on Dr. B—'s arm?" she asked of her daughter, about an hour after her arrival at the scene of pleasure. The doctor was conducting to the piano a plain, but tastefully attired young lady, in whose sweet young face there was something that to Mrs. Baldwin seemed particularly attractive. Clara turned her eyes towards the lady, but instead of answering her mother's question, said— "She's a stranger to most persons here, I rather think." "Some relative of the doctor's, perhaps," remarked the mother. By this time the young lady was at the piano, around which a small circle immediately gathered. She touched the keys delicately, yet with ease and confidence, and after running her fingers over them for a few moments, struck the air of a popular and favorite song, which she sang with fine effect. "Beautiful! beautiful!" said Mrs. Baldwin, speaking to Clara. "I think I never heard a sweeter voice. I wonder who she can be? Do you know?" and she turned to a lady at her side. "I do not, madam," replied the lady. "I don't remember ever to have seen her before."