Mr. Rumway had foolishly thought to get his house furnished according to Mrs. Smiley's taste, and now found he should have to consult Mrs. Rumway's, present or prospective, and the discovery annoyed him. Yet, why should he be annoyed? Was not the very opportunity presented that he had desired, of renewing his proposal to her to take the establishment in charge? So, although it compelled him to change his programme, he accepted the situation, and seized the tide at flood. "It is that lady--the one I entreat to come and live in it--whose wishes I now consult. Once more will you come?" Mrs. Smiley, though persistently looking aside, had caught the eloquent glance of the Captain's dark eyes, and something of the warmth of his face was reflected in her own. But she remained silent, looking at the distant highlands, without seeing them. "You must have seen," he continued, "that notwithstanding your former answer, I have been bold enough to hope you might change your mind; for, in everything I have done here, I have tried to follow your expressed wishes. I should in all else strive to make you as happy as by accepting this home you would make me. You do not answer; shall I say it is 'yes?'" He bent so close that his dark, half-curling mop of hair just brushed her golden braids, and gave her a little shock like electricity, making her start away with a blush. "Will you give me time to decide upon my answer, Mr. Rumway?" "You asked for time before," he replied, in an agitated voice, "and, after making me suffer a week of suspense, refused me." "I know it," she said simply, "and I was sorry I had asked it; but my reasons are even more imperative than they were then for wishing to delay. I want to decide right, at last," she added, with a faint attempt at a smile. "That will be right which accords with your feelings, and certainly you can tell me now what they are--whether you find me the least bit lovable or not." The gray eyes flashed a look up into the dark eyes, half of mirth and half of real inquiry. "I think one might learn to endure you, Mr. Rumway," she answered, demurely. "But"--changing her manner--"I can not tell you whether or not I can marry you, until--until--well," she concluded desperately--"it may be a day, or a week, or a month. There is something to be decided, and until it is decided, I can not give an answer." Captain Rumway looked very rebellious. "I do not ask you to wait, Mr. Rumway," said Mrs. Smiley, tormentingly. "Your house need not be long without a mistress." "Of course, I must wait, if you give me the least ground of hope. This place was made for you, and no other woman shall ever come into it as my wife--that I swear. If you will not have me, I will sell it, and live a bachelor." Mrs. Smiley laughed softly and tunefully. "Perhaps you would prefer to limit your endurance, and tell me how long you _will_ allow me to deliberate before you sell and retire to bachelorhood?"