“'Quite right, admirably argued,' said I, impatiently; 'go on.' “'I 'm glad you agree with me,' said he, with the stupid satisfaction of imbecility. 'I thought I had reduced the question to its very narrowest bounds.' “'So you have; go on,' cried I. “'“Miss Henderson,” said I,--for I determined to show that I was speaking seriously, and so I did n't call her Kate,-- “Miss Henderson, I want to speak to you. I have been long seeking this opportunity; and if you will vouchsafe me a few minutes now, and hear me, on a subject upon which all my happiness in life depends--” “'When I got that far, she put her work down on her knee, and stared at me with those large, full eyes of hers so steadily--ay, so haughtily, too--that I half wished myself fifty miles away. “'“Captain Martin,” said she, in a low, distinct voice, “has it ever occurred to you in life to have, by a mere moment of reflection, a sudden flash of intelligence, saved yourself from some step, some act, which, if accomplished, had brought nothing but outrage to your feeling, and insult to your self-esteem? Let such now rescue you from resuming this theme.” “'“But you# don't understand me,” said I. “What I wish to say--” Just at that instant my father came into the room in search of her, and I made my escape to hide the confusion that I felt ready to overwhelm me.' “'And have you not seen her since?' “'No. Indeed, I think it quite as well, too. She 'll have time to think over what I said, and see what a deuced good offer it is; for though I know she was going to make objections about inequality of station and all that at the time, reflection will bring better thoughts.' “'And she 'll consent, you think?' “'I wish I had a bet on it,' said he. “'So you shall, then,' said I, endeavoring to seem thoroughly at my ease. 'It's a very unworthy occasion for a wager, Martin; but I'll lay five hundred to one she refuses you.' “'Taken, and booked,' cried he, writing it down in his note-book. “I only regret it is not in thousands.' “'So it should be, if I could honestly stake what I have n't got.' “'You are so sanguine of winning? ' “' So certain, you ought to say.' “' Of course you use no influence against me,--you take no step of any kind to affect her decision.' “'Certainly not.' “'Nor are you--But,' added he, laughing, 'I need n't make that proviso. I was going to say, you are not to ask her yourself.' “'I 'll even promise you that, if you like,' said I. “'Then what can you mean?' said he, with a puzzled look. 'But whatever it be, I can stand the loss. I 've won very close to double as much from you this evening.' “'And as to the disappointment?'