her out of this door, and
down the road, there--do you see?"

This question, was addressed to Mr. Graham, who, whether he saw or
not, made no answer, but walked to the window and looked out, upon
the prospect beyond, which for him had no attractions then. The
sight of that daguerreotype had stirred up many bitter memories, and
for some time he stood gazing vacantly through the window, and
thinking--who shall say of what? It would seem that the
daguerreotype possessed a strong fascination for him, for after it
had been duly examined and laid down, he took it in his hand,
inspecting it minutely, asking where it was taken, and if it would be
possible to procure a similar one.

"I have a fancy for such scenes," said he, "and would like to have
just such a picture. Mr. Slocum is stopping in Lexington, you say.
He can take one from this, I suppose. I mean to see him;" and with
his usual good-morning, he departed.

Two weeks from this time Durward again went down to Frankfort,
determining, if a favorable opportunity presented itself, to offer
'Lena his heart and fortune.

He found her alone, Mabel having gone out to spend the day. For a
time they conversed together on indifferent topics, each one of which
was entirely foreign from that which lay nearest Durward's heart. At
last the conversation turned upon Joel Slocum, of whose visit Durward
had heard.

"I really think, 'Lena," said he, laughingly, "that you ought to
patronize the poor fellow, who has come all this distance for the
sake of seeing you. Suppose you have your daguerreotype taken for
me, will you?"

Durward was in earnest, but with a playful shake of her brown curls,
'Lena answered lightly, "Oh, no, no. I have never had my picture
taken in my life, and I shan't begin with Joel."

"Never had it taken!" repeated Durward, in some surprise.

"No, never," said 'Lena, and Durward continued drawing her nearer to
him, "It is time you had, then. So have it taken for me. I mean
what I say," he continued, as he met the glance of her merry eyes.
"There is nothing I should prize more than your miniature, except,
indeed the original, which you will not refuse me, when I ask it,
will you?"

'Lena's mirth was all gone--she knew he was in earnest now. She felt
it in the pressure of his arm, which encircled her waist; she saw it
in his eye, and heard it in the tones of his voice. But what should
she say? Closer he drew her to his side; she felt his breath