Corny said he was willing to make the trial, if they pleased. Mademoiselle seemed to hesitate; but Dora eagerly accepted the proposal, thanked her father for his kindness, and declared that she should be happy to have, and to abide by, this test of Mr. Connal’s love. If he were so base as to prefer half her fortune to herself, she should, she said, think herself happy in having escaped from such a traitor. Dora’s pride was wakened, and she now spoke in a high tone: she always, even in the midst of her weaknesses, had an ambition to show spirit. “I will put the test to him myself, within this hour,” said Corny; “and before you go to bed this night, when the clock strikes twelve, all three of you be on this spot, and I will give you his answer. But stay, Harry Ormond, we have not had your opinion--would you advise me to make this trial?” “Certainly, sir.” “But if I should lose half of Dora’s fortune?” “You would think it well bestowed, I am sure, sir, in securing her from an unhappy marriage.” “But then she might not, perhaps, so easily find another lover with half a fortune--that might make a difference, hey, Harry?” “Impossible, I should think, sir, that it could make the least difference in the affection of any one who really--who was really worthy of Miss O’Shane.” The agitation into which Harry Ormond was thrown, flattered and touched Dora for the moment; her aunt hurried her out of the room. Cornelius O’Shane rang, and inquired where Mr. Connal was? In his own apartment, writing letters, his servant believed. O’Shane sent to beg to see him, as soon as he was at leisure. At twelve o’clock Dora, Mademoiselle, and Ormond, were all in the study, punctually as the clock was striking. “Well, what is M. de Connal’s answer?” cried Mademoiselle. “If he hesitate, my dear Dore, give him up dat minute.” “Undoubtedly,” said Dora: “I have too much spirit to do otherwise. What’s his answer, father?” “His answer, my dear child, has proved that you knew him better than I did--he scorns the offer of half your fortune--for your whole fortune he would not give you up.” “I thought so,” cried Dora, triumphantly. “I thought so,” echoed Mademoiselle. “I did him injustice,” cried Ormond. “I am glad that M. de Connal has proved himself worthy of you, Dora, since you really approve of him--you have not a friend in the world, next to your father, who wishes your happiness more sincerely than I do.” He hurried out of the room. “There’s a heart for you!” said Corny. “Not for me,” said Mademoiselle: “he has no passion in him.” “I give you joy, Dora,” said her father. “I own I misjudged the man--on account of his being a bit of a coxcomb. But if you can put up with that, so will I--when I have done a man injustice, I will make it up to him every way I can. Now let him, he has my consent, be as great a coxcomb as ever wore red heels. I’ll put up with it all, since he really loves my child. I did not think he would have stood the test.”