nsurmountable difficulty. She did not at all relish the
fact of that young lady's taking her amusement with Mr. O'Connor, who
she knew was of a handsome person and independent circumstances, and
very likely to become a formidable rival to her son. As matters stood,
however, she resolved to conceal her apprehensions on this point, and to
urge Harry to secure, if possible, the property, which both she herself
and he had solely in view. As for the girl, each of them looked on her
as a cipher in the transaction, whose only value was rated by the broad
acres which they could not secure without taking her along with them.

The family were dispersed when she returned home, and she, consequently,
reserved the account of her mission until she should meet them in the
evening. At length the hour came, and she lost no time in opening
the matter at full length, suppressing, at the same time, her own
apprehensions of Alice's consent, and her dread of the rivalry on the
part of O'Connor.

"Well," said she, "I have seen these people; I have called upon them, as
you all know; and, as I said, I have seen them."

"To very little purpose, I am afraid," said her husband; "I don't like
your commencement of the report."

"I suppose not," she replied; "but, thank God, it is neither your liking
nor disliking that we regard, Lindsay. I have seen them, Harry; and I am
glad to say that they are civil people."

"Is it only now you found that out?" asked her husband; "why, they never
were anything else, Jenny."

"Well, really," said she, "I shall be forced to ask you to leave the
room if you proceed at this rate. Children, will you protect me from the
interruption and the studied insults of this man?"

"Father," said Charles, "for Heaven's sake will you allow her to state
the result of her visit? We are all very anxious to hear it; none more
so than I."

"Please except your elder brother," said Harry, laughing, "whose
interest you know, Charley, is most concerned."

"Well, perhaps so," said Charles; "of course, Harry--but proceed,
mother, we shan't interrupt you."

"O, go on," said his mother, "go on; discuss the matter among you, I can
wait; don't hesitate to interrupt me; your father there has set you that
gentlemanly example."

"It must surely be good when it comes," said Harry,with a smile; "but do
proceed, my dear mother, and never mind these queer folk; go on at once,
and let us know all: we--that is, myself--are prepared for the