ross the pond." Referring in this disrespectful manner
to the Atlantic Ocean, Rufus offered his hand in token of unalterable
devotion and goodwill.

Who could resist such a man as this? Amelius, always in extremes, wrung
his hand, with an impetuous sense of shame. "I've been sulky," he said,
"I've been rude, I ought to be ashamed of myself--and I am. There's only
one excuse for me, Rufus. I love her with all my heart and soul; and
I'm engaged to be married to her. And yet, if you understand my way of
putting it, I'm--in short, I'm in a mess."

With this characteristic preface, he described his position as exactly
as he could; having due regard to the necessary reserve on the subject
of Mrs. Farnaby. Rufus listened, with the closest attention, from
beginning to end; making no attempt to disguise the unfavourable
impression which the announcement of the marriage-engagement had made on
him. When he spoke next, instead of looking at Amelius as usual, he held
his head down, and looked gloomily at his boots.

"Well," he said, "you've gone ahead this time, and that's a fact. She
didn't raise any difficulties that a man could ride off on--did she?"

"She was all that was sweet and kind!" Amelius answered, with
enthusiasm.

"She was all that was sweet and kind," Rufus absently repeated, still
intent on the solid spectacle of his own boots. "And how about uncle
Farnaby? Perhaps he's sweet and kind likewise, or perhaps he cuts up
rough? Possible--is it not, sir?"

"I don't know; I haven't spoken to him yet."

Rufus suddenly looked up. A faint gleam of hope irradiated his long lank
face. "Mercy be praised! there's a last chance for you," he remarked.
"Uncle Farnaby may say No."

"It doesn't matter what he says," Amelius rejoined. "She's old enough to
choose for herself, he can't stop the marriage."

Rufus lifted one wiry yellow forefinger, in a state of perpendicular
protest. "He cannot stop the marriage," the sagacious New Englander
admitted; "but he can stop the money, my son. Find out how you stand
with him before another day is over your head."

"I can't go to him this evening." said Amelius; "he dines out."

"Where is he now?"

"At his place of business."

"Fix him at his place of business. Right away!" cried Rufus, springing
with sudden energy to his feet.

"I don't think he would like it," Amelius objected. "He's not a very
pleasant fellow, anywhere; but he's particularly disagreeable at his
place of busine