She attracts me so strongly, that I have called to ask your permission to seek her for a wife." Mrs.Delano hesitated for a moment, and then answered, "It is my duty to inform you that she is not of high family on the father's side; and on the mother's, she is scarcely what you would deem respectable." "Has she vulgar, disagreeable relations, who would be likely to be intrusive ?" he asked.
"She has no relative, near or distant, that I know of," replied the lady.
"Then her birth is of no consequence," he answered.

"My family would be satisfied to receive her as your daughter.

I am impatient to introduce her to my mother and sisters, who I am sure will be charmed with her." Mrs.Delano was embarrassed, much to the surprise of her visitor, who was accustomed to consider his wealth and social position a prize that would be eagerly grasped at.

After watching her countenance for an instant, he said, somewhat proudly: "You do not seem to receive my proposal very cordially, Mrs.Delano.Have you anything to object to my character or family ?" "Certainly not," replied the lady.

"My doubts are concerning my daughter." "Is she engaged, or partially engaged, to another ?" he inquired.
"She is not," rejoined Mrs.Delano; "though I imagine she is not quite 'fancy free.'" "Would it be a breach of confidence to tell me who has been so fortunate as to attract her ?" "Nothing of the kind has ever been confided to me." answered the lady.