"Sir, I will call this afternoon for her answer. It may be that in the interim you can say a word in my favor; and I must not lose a single aid to success. I had hoped to have won her without calling in the question of my wealth, but there are now reasons which seem to make delay inadvisable. Therefore, I must gain all I can from any circumstance." "I shall say everything in your favor that is possible, sir; but at the last, you know, it is Rose that must decide." Still Mr. Filmer was well aware that Antony had acted with great discrimination. No one is insensible to the power of wealth and all that wealth can give, and Antony's fortune was sufficiently large to command respect. When Mrs. Filmer followed the suitor, she found her husband walking excitedly about the room. "Do you know, Emma," he said, "that Rose has the opportunity to make a stupendously fortunate marriage? The man is worth a couple of millions, and his property is of that kind that grows while he sleeps and plays. He owns half of one of the largest hotels in this country, ranches and cattle, and a good deal of excellent mining stock. He has real estate in most of the growing towns on the Pacific coast, and a lot of property in San Francisco. Why, the man actually proposes to settle about ten thousand dollars yearly on Rose, to simply do as she likes with. I am amazed! I am grateful beyond measure!" "The idea! Who could have imagined that man owning anything of consequence? And yet, he always had that air of sublime indifference which rests itself upon a good bank account. I do hope Rose will be reasonable." "He wishes to marry immediately, for he desires to take Rose to Europe early in April, for a year's travel. The prospect for the dear girl is all we could desire--and such a good, honorable, strong man, Emma! He will be Rose's salvation. I am sure he is a lover that even her good angel would approve." "We shall see. Rose will need some management. She is often very cross in the morning, and disposed to dislike every one." This morning, however, Rose was in her sweetest and most obliging mood. Something of the night's struggle yet lingered in her subdued and conciliating manner; and Mrs. Filmer fortunately chose the subject most suitable for the condition--her daughter's weary look, and the necessity for some rest. "Your father was talking seriously about going back to Woodsome," she said. "I never saw him more determined about anything." "That would be so ridiculous! You never would do such a thing, mamma, not for two or even three months?" "He spoke of going in a day or two. He finds the city's noise and exigencies very trying. But you need not go, unless you desire." "And pray, who would chaperon me?" "Perhaps Miss Alida Van Hoosen." "Oh, mamma! You know she has Yanna with her; and besides, their way of living is unutterably dull and stupid--lectures and concerts, and such things. I could not endure it, and they could not endure me."