As she was about to ascend the stairs, Mrs. Delancey's maid met her, with the message that her mother desired an interview. "Say to my mother, that I beg to be excused for a few moments, but will be with her presently," said Della, proceeding up the stairs. The girl obeyed, but returned immediately, and over-taking Della on the stairs, said:-- "Mistress says you must come instantly, Miss; that she wishes to see you before you go to your room." Dispelling, as far as possible, all traces of agitation, Della returned to her mother's apartment. The moment Mrs. Delancey's eyes fell upon her child's features, she held out her hand, with a bland smile, exclaiming:-- "Ah, Dort, I see how it is, dear; couldn't get through with a proposal without crying a little, eh? Rather undignified, I must say, but perfectly natural for unexperienced girls, I suppose. Allow me to congratulate you." Della pressed the hand her mother gave, and made an effort to speak; but choked, faltered, and failed entirely, bursting into a violent fit of weeping instead. "Really, my child, you surprise--you shock me; if you can't behave any better now, what will you ever do at the wedding? Really, I am ashamed of you! At your age I had received seven offers, and never shed a tear!" "Perhaps you didn't accept them, Madam; and so, sever the ties which bound you to father and mother, and home," said Minnie, who had entered just in time to hear Mrs. Delancey's last remark. "That's true enough," returned the lady, as if she had not thought of the fact before. "Della, you can go to your room till you are more composed; I will tell your father what has happened, so your timidity will be spared that." "Oh, don't tell him anything, mamma; don't tell him this," sobbed Della. "Nonsense, Dort; worse and worse. Go to your room, and don't make your appearance again until you can come with a face more composed, and features not all swollen and distorted by weeping." Della obeyed, and her mother saw her no more that night. "Oh, Minny!" exclaimed the young girl, as the privacy of her own apartment was gained, and she threw herself, still sobbing, on the quadroon's bosom; "didn't you know before I went down that I never would accept him, that I never could marry him, never?" "Yes, Miss, I knew it." "Yet you implied to mamma, Minn, that you believed I had accepted him, and you know she thinks I tell you everything. Oh, Minny, you musn't tell falsehoods for my sake!" "I told no falsehood, Miss; I only asked your mamma a simple question, that you might get free, as I knew you wished to be." "But I know she thought you meant that." "It is wrong for people, to jump so hastily at conclusions." "But, Minny, you know you intended mamma should jump at that." "Well, Miss Della, don't chide me now about it; if it got you off without any more questions you are very glad, are you not?" "Of course, if it wasn't falsehood."