Desired!' by Jove, I think he commanded! I do not remember ever to
have heard his Majesty the King of the Cumberland Mines request anybody
to do anything in the whole course of his life. He always ordered him to
do it! Well, Cora, dear, I will be 'best' man to the bridegroom, since
you say so! I have always obeyed you, Cora. Ah! you have trained me for
the model of an obedient husband for some girl, Cora! Now, I am going
down stairs to smoke a cigar. You don't object to that, I hope, Mrs.
Rothsay?" lightly inquired the youth as he sauntered out of the room.

He had just closed the door when Mrs. Stillwater entered.

She came in very softly, crossed the room, sat down on the sofa beside
Cora, and slipped her arm around the lady's waist, purring and cooing:

"I have been waiting to find you alone, dearest. I just heard your
brother go down stairs. Mr. Rockharrt has told you, dear?"

"Yes; he has told me. Take your arms away from me, if you please, Mrs.
Stillwater, and pray do not touch me again," quietly replied the young
lady, gently withdrawing herself from the siren's close embrace.

"You are displeased with me. Can you not forgive me, then?" pleaded
Rose, withdrawing her arms, but fixing her soft blue eyes pleadingly
upon the lady's face.

"You have given me no personal offense, Mrs. Stillwater."

"Cora, dear--" began Rose.

"Mrs. Rothsay, if you please," said Cora, in a quiet tone.

"Mrs. Rothsay, then," amended Rose, in a calm voice, as if determined
not to take offense--"Mrs. Rothsay, allow me to explain how all this
came to pass. I have always, from the time I first lived in his house,
felt a profound respect and affection for your grandfather--"

"Mr. Rockharrt, if you please," said Cora.

"For Mr. Rockharrt, then, as well as for his sainted wife, the late Mrs.
Rockharrt. I--"

"Madam!" interrupted Cora. "Is there nothing too holy to be profaned by
your lips? You should at least have the good taste to leave that lady's
sacred memory alone."

"Certainly, if you wish; but she was a good friend to me, and I served
her with a daughter's love and devotion. In my last visit to Rockhold I
also served Mr. Rockharrt more zealously than ever, because, indeed, he
needed such affectionate service more than before. He has grown so much
accustomed to my services that they now seem vitally necessary to him.
But, of course, I cannot take care of him day and night, in parlor and
chamber, unless I become his wife--'t