"You see I only expect to teach little children," she said, apologetically. He looked at her gravely and curiously. "Do you think you will enjoy such a life?" he inquired. "No," she admitted, frankly, "I do not imagine that it will be a pleasant life, certainly. But it will be better than the farm. I shall earn my support and not have my dependence continually thrust in my face by a vulgar woman." "Poor child!" he thought to himself, as the sensitive color rushed over her brow and throat. He left her with a thrill of deep compassion in his heart. She seemed so slight and frail a creature to take arms against the world and win her way alone. "May I come again to-morrow--with Walter?" he added, fancying that he saw her hesitate. "Yes," she replied, readily, "and bring Violet with you if she will come." "Very well," he replied, "I will do so, but I shall come alone the next day to hear you sing. Are you willing?" "They will think I am selfish if I take you away from them, I fear." "You will not be taking me away. I belong to no one but myself," he replied. "Then, too, I shall return home in a few days, and I do not know when I shall see you again." "You may come," she replied, quickly. The next day he came with Violet and Walter as agreed upon. But the visit was short and unsatisfactory. Violet was fidgety and capricious. She said she had planned a visit to another young lady, and she left very soon, carrying Valchester in her train and telling Walter to remain behind and amuse Jaquelina. Walter remained very willingly. He had been thinking a great deal of what Violet had said to him about marrying Jaquelina. In consequence he had concluded to take her advice. But it is one thing to resolve and another to execute. Jaquelina, who was exceedingly friendly and sociable with Walter in the company of others was very shy when alone with him. She somehow eluded the efforts he made to give a sentimental tone to the conversation. She sang at his request, but it was a gay and lively air. If she had known his intention she could not have frustrated it better than she did by her unconscious indifference. Walter went away with his love unspoken. Two days later he returned alone, having slipped away from his friend and sister, just as Valchester had done once or twice before. Jaquelina was out under the trees reading. Little Dollie was frisking in the grass beside her. Walter thought he had never seen the girl he loved looking so fair and happy. He pleased himself with thinking how he would take her away from her uncongenial home and lavish upon her all the luxuries and adornments that would suit her beauty so well. The thought gave him courage to speak to Jaquelina. It was not long before she was blushing and trembling at these words from his lips: "Lina, I love you dearly. Will you be my wife?"