rward did not, and with a
derisive smile he listened, while she proceeded to give her reasons
for thinking that a desire to supplant Anna was the sole object which
'Lena had in view, for what else could have prompted that midnight
ride to Sunnyside. Again Durward smiled, but before he could answer,
the bride-groom elect stood before them, looking rather crestfallen,
but evidently making a great effort to appear as usual.

"And so the bird has flown?" said he, "Well, it takes a Yankee, after
all, to manage a case, but how did he find it out?"

Briefly Mrs. Livingstone explained to him Lena's agency in the
matter, omitting, this time, to impute to her the same motive which
she had done when stating the case to Durward.

"So 'Lena is at the bottom of it?" said he, rubbing his little fat,
red hands. "Well, well, where is she? I'd like to see her."

"Corinda, tell 'Lena she is wanted in the parlor," said Mrs.
Livingstone, while Durward, not wishing to witness the interview,
arose to go, but Mrs. Livingstone urged him so hard to stay, that he
at last resumed his seat on the sofa by the side of Carrie.

"Captain Atherton wishes to question you concerning the part you have
taken in this elopement," said Mrs. Livingstone, sternly, as 'Lena
appeared in the doorway.

"No, I don't," said the captain, gallantly offering 'Lena a chair.
"My business with Miss Rivers concerns herself."

"I am here, sir, to answer any proper question," said 'Lena, proudly,
at the same time declining the proffered seat.

"There's an air worthy of a queen," thought the captain, and
determining to make his business known at once, he arose, and turning
toward Mrs. Livingstone, Durward and Carrie, whom he considered his
audience, he commenced: "What I am about to say may seem strange, but
the fact is, I want a wife. I've lived alone long enough. I waited
for Anna eighteen years, and now's she gone. Everything is in
readiness for the bridal; the guests are invited; nothing wanting but
the bride. Now if I _could_ find a substitute."

"Not in me," muttered Carrie, drawing nearer to Durward, while with a
sarcastic leer the captain continued: "Don't refuse before you are
asked, Miss Livingstone. I do not aspire to the honor of your hand,
but I do ask Miss Rivers to be my wife--here before you all. She
shall live like a princess--she and her grandmother both. Come, what
do you say? Many a poor girl would jump at the chance."

The rich blood