Does he court you ?" "I don't know, papa.

I suppose he does." "Does he seek your love ?" "He does not say so exactly." "Come, Mary, you have never deceived me.

Does he love you ?" "I am afraid he does; and if you reject him he will be very unhappy.

And so shall I." "I am truly sorry to hear it, Mary, for there are reasons why I can not consent to an engagement between him and you." "What reasons, papa ?" "It would not be proper to disclose my reasons; but I hope, Mary, that it will be enough to say that Colonel Clifford has other views for his son, and I have other views for my daughter.

Do you think a blessing will attend you or him if you defy both fathers ?" "No, no," said poor Mary.