Now, may we come in ?" said she, knocking again in pretty petulance.

"I want to introduce Mr.
Vavasour." "I shall be only too happy," said the Major, opening his door (this time with his coat on); "there are few persons in the world whom I have more wished to know than Mr.Vavasour." And he held out his hand, and quite led Elsley in.

He spoke in a tone of grave interest, looking intently at Elsley as he spoke.

Valencia remarked the interest--Elsley only the compliment.
"It is a great kindness of you to call on me so soon," said he.

"I met Mrs.Vavasour several times in years past; and though I saw very little of her, I saw enough to long much for the acquaintance of the man who has been worthy to become her husband." Elsley blushed, for his conscience smote him a little at that word "worthy," and muttered some commonplace civility in return.