s.

"We must win them, now, doctor; you see how much they are admired and
sought here. What will it be when they are out of their mourning robes
and in the gayeties of the city? This is our best chance. What say
you?" asked young Bennett, a fortnight after their introduction.

"Say! That the very idea of even losing _sight_ of that gentle,
beautiful May for a day, fills my heart with misgiving and great
anxiety. I tell you, I began this affair rather in fun--"

"You mean _after funds_, perhaps!" interrupted Bennett.

A flush suffused Doctor Wadsworth's face for an instant, and he
answered:

"Well, I'll admit that is not at all objectionable; but really, now
that I know May Brownson, I would not be willing to resign her to
another man, even if she had not a dollar in the world."

There was an expression about Harry Bennett's mouth that looked as if
his lips wanted to say: "I don't believe you"--only they did not just
dare to. Harry Bennett was as much in love as he could be with any one
other than himself, still he was not going to leap without looking.
So, after learning a little more than he had already heard from
Margaret, he was called, very urgently, to the city. After an absence
of only two days he was back again, and stated to Doctor Wadsworth his
knowledge of Mark Brownson's possessions. That evening Mrs. Brownson
received proposals for both of her daughters.

She must consider the matter, and consult with her friends, the
prudent mother thought and said to the anxious suitors.

This made them each more determined to secure the prize.

"Dear May, plead with your mother for me!" said the ardent young
doctor.

"Mamma will consent after a while," answered the gentle girl.

"After a while! Why not now? I am going away next month for a long
time. I cannot leave you, May. Would you wish me to?"

May turned pale at the thought, and raised her pleading eyes to her
mother.

It was enough. Doctor Wadsworth had used the surest weapon. A
separation was dreaded by both mother and daughter, and each for
different reasons. And then it was an easier thing for Harry Bennett
to obtain the mother's consent, to claim his love at the same time.

Mrs. Brownson, after giving her consent, requested a private interview
with her prospective sons-in-law. The girls were sent from the room,
and then Mrs. Brownson said:

"I have thought possibly, gentlemen, that a very foolish rumor may
have reached your ears respecting the