"Mother, pray stop her," cried she, pleadingly.
"Hush, Caddy!" interposed her mother, authoritatively; "you shall do no such thing." "Well," resumed Caddy, "mother says I mustn't tell; but I can say this much----" Esther here put her hand over her sister's mouth and effectually prevented any communication she was disposed to make.
"Never mind her, Ess!" cried Charlie; "you'll tell me all in good time, especially if it's anything worth knowing." Esther made no reply, but, releasing her sister, hurried out of the room, and went upstairs to Charlie's chamber, where he found her on retiring for the night.
"I'm glad you're here, Ess," said he, "you'll indulge me.

Here is the key--open my trunk and get me out a nightcap; I'm too tired, or too lazy, to get it for myself." Esther stooped down, opened the trunk, and commenced searching for the article of head-gear in question.

"Come, Ess," said Charles, coaxingly, "tell me what this is about you and Mr.Walters." She made no reply at first, but fumbled about in the bottom of the trunk, professedly in search of the nightcap which she at that moment held in her hand.

"Can't you tell me ?" he again asked.
"Oh, there's nothing to tell, Charlie!" she answered.
"There must be something, Ess, or you wouldn't have blushed up so when Cad was about to speak of it.

Do," said he, approaching her, and putting his arm round her neck--"do tell me all about it--I am sure there is some secret!" "Oh, no, Charlie--there is no secret; it's only this----" Here she stopped, and, blushing, turned her head away.
"Ess, this is nonsense," said Charlie, impatiently: "if it's anything worth knowing, why can't you tell a fellow?
Come," said he, kissing her, "tell me, now, like a dear old Ess as you are." "Well, Charlie," said she, jerking the words out with an effort, "Mr .-- Mr.
Walters has asked me to marry him!" "Phew--gemini! that is news!" exclaimed Charlie.