He did not ask for Flora, whom he had in fact seen in the street a few minutes before.

"Excuse me, Mrs.Delano, for intruding upon you at such an unseasonable hour," said he.

"I chose it because I wished to be sure of seeing you alone.

You must have observed that I am greatly interested in your adopted daughter." "The thought has crossed my mind," replied the lady; "but I was by no means certain that she interested you more than a very pretty girl must necessarily interest a gentleman of taste." "Pretty!" repeated he.

"That is a very inadequate word to describe the most fascinating young lady I have ever met.