nd could not
avoid applying the general rules that he had formed for himself, to most
individuals. He dreaded the effect of an assiduous and sustained attack
upon Mary's inexperienced mind, from a dashing, fashionable lover, who
held out to her acceptance all the charms and glitter of a life of ease,
and splendor, and dissipation. His uneasy sensations were by no means
quieted by his companion's gaiety, who having at once surmised, or
pretended so to have done, the object of the Gothamite's visit, promised
herself much amusement from his wooing.

On their return to the house, they found the new visiter quietly
installed in the parlor, and waiting their, or rather her, return. In
high glee with the flattering prospect before him, he completely
monopolized Mary's attention, and eventually put to flight the
overpowered and mortified Kelson, who left the house with a heavy heart.
For at least a week Mr. Millinet kept the field; he was Mary's constant
companion, whether sitting quietly at home or walking out; and Kelson,
finding it almost impossible even to speak to her, prudently kept
himself out of the way, well knowing that Mary would soon miss him, if
she had not already, and eagerly seek an interview; nor was he wrong in
his conjecture. Calling at her father's house one Sunday morning, he
found her seated in the parlor waiting for meeting time. In the course
of conversation he asked her jestingly, though with a beating heart,
"what she meant to do with her new lover?"

"I don't know," said she laughing, "he says that he has my father's
permission to make love to me, and he seems determined that the
permission shall not become a dead letter for want of use."

"Your father! I had no idea that he had given his consent."

"My father, Thomas, has given me free permission to do as I please in
the affair of choosing a husband."

"Certainly," said poor Kelson, construing this last speech into sentence
of death to _his_ love.

"And I have already acted as I pleased," continued the lovely girl,
holding out her hand to him.

It was impossible to mistake the meaning of the last words and their
accompanying action, and the delighted seaman certified his full
intelligence and gratitude upon her lips.

"I believe this fellow, my sweet Mary, has made me almost jealous and
quite foolish; but, seriously, what do you mean to do with him?"

"Why, the creature can't stay here for ever, and if he offers himself to
me, I shall say