There is but a single obstacle to this most desirable union, and that is the unwarrantable opposition of one person.

But, I am happy to say that this opposition is on the point of being removed.

I consider it to be but a matter of days when my niece and Mr Keswick, with the full approbation of the relatives on either side, will renew in the eyes of the world that engagement which I consider still exists in fact." "If this is so," said Lawrence, grinding his heel very deeply into the ground, "why was I not told of it ?" "My dear sir!" exclaimed Mr Brandon, "have you ever intimated to me or to any of my family, that your intentions in visiting Midbranch were other than those of an ordinary friend or acquaintance ?" Lawrence admitted that he had never made any such intimation.
"Then, sir," said Mr Brandon, "what reason could we have for mentioning this subject to you--a subject that would not have been referred to now, had it not been for your admission of your intended object in visiting my house ?" Lawrence had no answer to make to this, but it was not easy to turn him from his purpose.

"Excuse me, sir," he said, "but I think a matter of this sort should be left to the lady.

If she is not inclined to receive my addresses she will say so, and there is an end of it." The face of Mr Brandon slightly reddened, but his voice remained as quiet and courteous as before.