the way, Harry," asked Charles, "has she given you an intimation of
anything like encouragement?"

"Well, I rather think I am not exactly a fool, Charles, nor likely to
undertake an enterprise without some prospect of success. I hope you
deem me, at least, a candid man."

"Yes; but there is a class of persons who frequently form too high an
estimate of themselves, especially in their intercourse with women; and
who very often mistake civility for encouragement."

"Very true, Charles--exceedingly just and true; but I hope I am not one
of those either; my knowledge of life and the world will prevent me
from that, I trust."

"I hope," continued Charles, "that if the girl is adverse to such a
connection she will not be harassed or annoyed about it."

"I hope, Charles, I have too much pride to press any proposal that may
be disagreeable to her; I rather think I have. But have you, Charles,
any reason to suppose that she should not like me?"

"Why, from what you have already hinted, Harry, you ought to be the best
judge of that yourself."

"Well, I think so, too. I am not in the habit of walking blindfold into
any adventure, especially one so important as this. Trust to my address,
my dear fellow," he added, with a confident smile, "and, believe me, you
shall soon see her your sister-in-law."

"And I shall be delighted at it, Harry," said his sister; "so go on and
prosper. If you get her you will get a treasure, setting her property
out of the question."

"Her property!" ejaculated Mrs. Lindsay; "but no matter; we shall see. I
can speak sweetly enough when I wish."

"I wish to God you would try it oftener, then," said her husband; "but
I trust that during this visit of yours you will not give way to your
precious temper and insult them at the outset. Don't tie a knot with
your tongue that you can't unravel with your teeth. Be quiet, now;
I didn't speak to raise the devil and draw on a tempest--only let us
have a glass of punch, till Charley and I drink success to Harry."

The next day Mrs. Lindsay ordered the car, and proceeded to pay her
intended visit to the Goodwins. She had arrived pretty near the house,
when two of Goodwin's men, who were driving his cows to a grazing field
on the other side of the road by which she was approaching, having
noticed and recognized her, immediately turned them back and drove them
into a paddock enclosed by trees, where they were completely out of her
sight.

"Devil blow her,