"And as a proof of it," said he, "if my son were in your position, and had such an offer made to him, I would not hesitate a moment in recommending him to accept it. Indeed, you are in a great measure in duty bound to obey a kinsman, who, by your own account, has been so kind to you; and who can be of such essential service to you, especially when he counsels you so reasonably." I will not conceal that many a fond hope fluttered about my heart, as I reflected what this new state of things might bring about; and that very morning I struck while the iron was hot, and, like a very wise person, took Miss Helen Hudson, of all people on earth, to my councils, and asked _her_ advice, forsooth. "Helen, what would _you advise_ me to do?" "Benjamin, I cannot _advise_--I am a simple girl--but whatever you may do, or wherever you may be--heaven knows"--her voice faltered--"heaven knows your happiness will always be," &c. &c. &c. So she burst into tears, and I caught her in my arms, and--oh Lord, what a devil of a bother this same love is! "Now, Helen," said I, "let us compose ourselves--I am as yet in a manner unknown to you; but to convince you that I am an honourable man, all that I ask is, that you shall hold this engagement sacred, until I can communicate with my uncle. If I find my prospects as satisfactory as I expect, I will immediately return, and throw myself at your feet; if I do not, I do not say that I will not still prefer my suit; _but you shall not be bound by your promise_. So my Helen, now." "Yes," said the darling girl, as she rose, smiling through her tears like--oh, all ye gods, for a simile! but never mind--from the sofa where we had been sitting--"yes; _your_ Helen now, Benjamin." "Heyday," quoth Mrs Hudson, as she entered the room; "here's a scene. Why, Helen, you have been weeping, I see--and Mr Brail!--Now what is wrong? Tell me, dearest?" "Oh, not now, mother--not now. Come with me--come, and I will tell you all." And as they passed towards the door, who should stumble in upon us but Monsieur Listado. "Good-morning, Mrs Hudson--good-morning. Halloo--and is it off they are, without so much as a bow, or--Brail, what is the meaning of all this?--Miss Hudson is weeping, as I am a gentleman. You cannot have been uncivil to her--it is impossible. But, Benjamin Brail, much as I esteem you, if I thought"---- "Out of my way, you troublesome blockhead," said I, in the hurry and confusion of the moment; and I brushed past him and fled to my own room, with the most comical mixture of feelings possible. It was full half an hour before I could control them, and recover my composure; and I had just begun to subside into my everyday character, when I received a message from Mr Hudson, to whom his wife had communicated all that had passed between his daughter and me. I never can forget the anxiety I felt to construe the expression of his face, when I first entered the room. It was favourable, heaven be thanked.