otives--you will ever find one in
the old man who has dared to love you, and whom you have this day
rejected."

Della placed both hands in General Delville's, and looked up earnestly
and trustfully into his noble face.

"Believe me, I always will."

"And I may continue to be a welcome visitor here?"

"Always, always."

"Enough, Della. Farewell."

"Adieu, _mon ami_!"

The General's tall figure passed into the lofty hall, and Della heard
the door close behind him. She hurried to a window, and watched him as
he descended the steps and entered his carriage, then, with a feeling of
reverential affection for that proud spirit and noble heart which an
hour before she had scarcely expected to feel, she passed out of the
parlor on her way to her own room. Traces of tears were still upon her
cheeks, and her whole face still bore evidence of recent agitation.

As she was about to ascend the stairs, Mrs. Delancey's maid met her,
with the message that her mother desired an interview.

"Say to my mother, that I beg to be excused for a few moments, but will
be with her presently," said Della, proceeding up the stairs.

The girl obeyed, but returned immediately, and over-taking Della on the
stairs, said:--

"Mistress says you must come instantly, Miss; that she wishes to see you
before you go to your room."

Dispelling, as far as possible, all traces of agitation, Della returned
to her mother's apartment. The moment Mrs. Delancey's eyes fell upon her
child's features, she held out her hand, with a bland smile,
exclaiming:--

"Ah, Dort, I see how it is, dear; couldn't get through with a proposal
without crying a little, eh? Rather undignified, I must say, but
perfectly natural for unexperienced girls, I suppose. Allow me to
congratulate you."

Della pressed the hand her mother gave, and made an effort to speak; but
choked, faltered, and failed entirely, bursting into a violent fit of
weeping instead.

"Really, my child, you surprise--you shock me; if you can't behave any
better now, what will you ever do at the wedding? Really, I am ashamed
of you! At your age I had received seven offers, and never shed a tear!"

"Perhaps you didn't accept them, Madam; and so, sever the ties which
bound you to father and mother, and home," said Minnie, who had entered
just in time to hear Mrs. Delancey's last remark.

"That's true enough," returned the lady, as if she had not thought of
the fact before. "Della, you can go to your