Constance obeyed, and Emilia admitted the young man, who entered the room with flowers for Constance and her mother. She motioned him to a seat; she was palpitating with emotion, but she succeeded in preserving an apparently calm demeanor. "You expected me," he said, after she had accepted the flowers and laid them aside. "Constance told me you would come," said Emilia, gravely. "Is she well?" "Quite well." Then there was an awkward pause, but soon the young man took heart of grace, and in modest, manly fashion laid his petition before Emilia. "I cannot hope to be worthy of her," he said; "no man could be, but I can promise sincerely to do all in my power to make her happy. I love her very dearly. What can I say more? You will not refuse me?" "If it depended upon me," said Emilia, speaking very slowly, "I should be contented to place my daughter's happiness in your keeping, for I believe you to be worthy of her." "How can I thank you?" said Julian, impetuously. "It does depend upon you. Then all is settled. May I see Constance?" She gently shook her head. "Not yet. I could have wished you had consulted me before you said anything to Constance. I am not blaming you--I know there are feelings it is difficult to keep in check, but I think it would have been better if you had confided in me first. I could then have advised you." "To do what? You have no objection to entrusting me with her; and indeed, indeed, your trust shall not be misplaced. Perhaps you are right, but it can make no difference now that I know you approve." "There is one," said Emilia, steadily, "to whom you should have spoken even before you addressed me or Constance." "My father?" "Yes, your father." "Again, I daresay you are right. But I am sure of my father. He loves me, and will not thwart me----" Emilia held up her hand. "Have you considered the difference in our position?" "No--except that I have always felt that Constance is far above me, if that is what you mean." "It is not what I mean. Parents are compelled to view such matters in a different light. I can give Constance no dowry." "I want none. I want her." "And with your father's approval, you shall have my consent. It is my duty to say this to you, and as you have consulted me first I should wish him to know that I have so expressed myself, and that my answer is in his hands." "Very well, I will go to him at once. There is not the least doubt of his answer, and I have yours already." "No," interrupted Emilia, firmly, but with a tender inclining toward the young man, "you have not mine already. I cannot give it to you definitely until I have seen or heard from your father." "How precise you are," said Julian, in a gay tone; "but my dear Constance's mother cannot be wrong in anything she does." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "You will not turn me away without allowing me to see her?"