“‘Lottie, do you know I think you are the most sensible, prudent girl that ever lived? I wish Harry had half the prudence you have; he has plenty of good sense, but he is so impetuous, so proud and unyielding!’ “‘He never was that way until Viola came from New York to spend the winter with me. He loved her devotedly, and thought it would be dishonorable to marry her while she was so rich and he so poor. If we can get them reconciled, and induce him to propose to her, then we shall soon be able to extricate her from this unpleasant situation. Did you know I have been afraid that Viola contemplated suicide?’ “‘No; I had no idea of such a thing.’ “‘Well, I have been afraid of it ever since Harry was so ill; and if he had died, it is my opinion that she would not have survived him an hour.’ “‘What circumstance led you to believe that?’ “‘Oh, don’t be so inquisitive; I am not going to tell you all my secrets. Go on about your business now; I am done with you until dinner is served.’ “I reluctantly obeyed, and returned to Viola’s room, where I was overjoyed to find Harry and her engaged in earnest conversation, in an undertone. I was a little sorry, however, when I saw that I had unfortunately interrupted a conversation in which they both seemed to be deeply interested, and I gathered up a few stray flowers that were scattered about the bureau top, and immediately left the room--making it appear that I had merely come in after the flowers. “‘They are all right,’ said I to Lottie, as I entered the cook-room; ‘I surprised them in the midst of an earnest conversation, and they were both very much flurried; but I hastened to pick up these flowers and leave the room.’ “‘Did you learn what they were talking about?’ “‘I heard Harry tell one truth, if he never tells another.’ “‘What was it?’ “‘He said, “Viola, I know I have acted the fool; and I pray you to forgive me!”’ “‘And what did she say in reply?’ “‘I entered the room just then, but I saw from her looks that she was going to forgive him.’ “‘How unfortunate it was that you happened in at such a moment.’ “‘Well, didn’t you order me to go? and don’t you know I obeyed with reluctance?’ “‘Oh, bother your obedience! you are mighty good to obey orders when you want to; but I suppose I must forgive you, and let you stay here, though you shall not be idle. Set that pan on the stove there, and fill it with water; then take the other one off and wipe it dry with a napkin and put it back; don’t spill water on the other things; I think I shall make an excellent cook of you one of these days.’ “‘You can make anything of me, because you are such a darling teacher.’ “‘I couldn’t make a flatterer of you: nature has taken the job off my hands.’ “‘I wish nature had furnished me with some strong language so I could tell my Lottie how dearly I love her.’ “‘Look at you now! you are dropping the water in that bowl!’ “‘Oh, I ask pardon--I didn’t see it.’