“Yes, I think it is of rather a serious nature,” he returned, smiling slightly. “I wish to tell you that I have become deeply attached to Miss Alexander, to whom I introduced you last night, and to ask your sanction to our engagement.” “Aha! has it gone so far as that?” inquired Sir William. “I began to surmise last evening that she was taking your heart captive, but did not imagine matters had reached a crisis yet.” “Don’t you think her lovely, Uncle Will?” Rupert asked, eagerly. “Very lovely; but, my boy, the ocean rolls between England and America. I cannot bear the thought of a separation from you, Rupert.” “Nor I from you, my dear guardian; and, I assure you, you need not fear it, for the young lady does not object to a permanent residence in England. I trust you will not oppose my marriage with Miss Alexander.” “Rupert,” said Sir William, gravely, “my only wish is for your happiness, and if Miss Alexander is the woman of your choice—if you are sure that she alone can make you happy—then I can only say Heaven bless you and grant that your future may be all that you desire.” “Thank you, Uncle Will, I—I hope you do not disapprove of my choice of a wife?” Rupert said, regarding his guardian’s grave face anxiously. “No, no,” returned the baronet, hastily. “I admired the little lady very much during the few moments that I spent with her last evening. She seems a lovely girl. My first thought was that she might take you from us.” “No. Although she was born in America, she is herself of English decent on her father’s side, and she and her mother are now in this country, for the purpose of claiming some property inherited from him,” Rupert explained. “Ah! then she has no father.” “No; he—she—lost him when she was a child.” The young man began to fear he was trespassing somewhat upon Mrs. Alexander’s confidence, and resolved that he would betray no more at present. “Are you sure that the family is one with which you will feel proud to ally yourself?” Sir William inquired. “I know but very little concerning their family,” Rupert admitted. “I doubt if they have any, but everything about them indicates that they are above reproach, while Mr. Knight, the gentleman whom I met in America, and of whom you have often heard me speak, introduced them, and he is of irreproachable character. He occupies a high position in New York, and it is in compliance with his request that they are presented here, and chaperoned by the Huntingtons.” “The Huntingtons are all right, and would introduce no one regarding whom there was any question,” Sir William said, in a satisfied tone. “Is Mrs. Alexander as much of a beauty as her daughter?” he concluded, smilingly. “Hardly in my eyes,” returned the young man, with heightened color; “and yet she is a remarkably handsome woman. I hope I may be able to arrange for you to make their acquaintance very soon; but until then please regard what I have told you as strictly confidential.”