with Nelly Bram-leigh.

He nodded only, and the two girls burst out into a merry laugh.

"Come, come, Julia," said he, reprovingly. "Absurd as it may seem, the
man is in earnest, and must be treated with consideration."

"But tell us the whole scene. Let us have it all as it occurred."

"I 'll do nothing of the kind. It 's quite enough to say that he
declares he has a good fortune, and wishes to share it with you; and I
think the expression of that wish should secure him a certain deference
and respect."

"But who refuses, who thinks of refusing him all the deference and
respect he could ask for? Not I, certainly. Come now, like a dear good
boy, let us hear all he said, and what you replied. I suspect there
never was a better bit of real-life comedy. I only wish I could have had
a part in it."

"Not too late yet, perhaps," said Nelly, with a dry humor. "The fifth
act is only beginning."

"That is precisely what I am meditating. George will not tell me
accurately what took place in his interview, and I think I could not do
better than go and learn Sir Marcus' sentiments for myself."

She arose and appeared about to leave the room, when L'Estrange sprang
towards the door, and stood with his back against it.

"You 're not serious, Ju?" cried he, in amazement.

"I should say very serious. If Sir Marcus only makes out his case, as
favorably as you, with all your bungling, can't help representing it,
why--all things considered, eh, Nelly? _you_, I know, agree with me--I
rather suspect the proposition might be entertained."

"Oh, this is too monstrous. It is beyond all belief," cried L'Estrange.

And he rushed from the room in a torrent of passion, while Julia sank
back in a chair, and laughed till her eyes ran over with tears of
merriment.

"How could you, Julia! Oh, how could you!" said Nelly, as she leaned
over her and tried to look reproachful.

"If you mean, how could I help quizzing him, I can understand you; but
I could not--no, Nelly, I could not help it! It is my habit to seize
on the absurd side of any embarrassment; and you may be sure there
is always one if you only look for it; and you 've no idea how
much pleasanter--ay, and easier, too--it is to laugh oneself out of
difficulties than to grieve over them. You 'll see George, now, will be
spirited up, out of pure fright, to do what he ought; to tell this
man that his proposal is an absurdity, and that young women, even as
destitute of fortune as m