sther would accept him, with a confidence and
self-exultation that man in general is apt to feel when he has determined
to bestow himself upon some fortunate fair one. He went his way, passing
the dancers without any notice, and going straight to that part of the
house where he supposed he should find Esther.

Esther received him with politeness, but with some reserve; not having a
chair to offer him, and not intending him to take a seat on the steps
beside her, she stood up, and leaned against the porch.

They talked a little of the weather, and the health of the different
members of their respective families, during which, Robert took the
opportunity to say, "His master, (Mr. Kent) had a bilious attack, and he
wished to the Lord, he'd never get better of it." Finally, he undid one of
the buttons of his coat, which was getting too small for him, and drawing a
long breath, proceeded to lay himself (figuratively) at Esther's feet.

He did not come to the point at once, but drove round it, as if there might
be some impediment in the way, which, though it could not possibly upset
the whole affair, might make a little unnecessary delay. Esther thought he
was only talking nonsense, as usual, but when he waxed warm and energetic
in his professions, she interrupted him with, "Look here, Robert, you're
out of your head, aint you?"

"No deed, Miss Esther, but I'm dying in love with you."

"The best thing you can do, is to take yourself home," said Esther. "I hope
you're sober."

"I was never soberer in my life," said Robert, "but the fact is, Miss
Esther, I'm tired of a bachelor's life; 'pears as if it wasn't
respectable, and so I'm thinking of settling down."

"You want settling down, for true," said Esther.

"I'm mighty happy to hear you say so," said Robert, "and if you'll only
mention what time it'll be agreeable to you to make me the happiest man in
Virginny, I'le speak to Uncle Watty Harkins about performing the ceremony,
without you prefer a white minister to tie the knot."

"Robert," said Esther, "you're a born fool; do you mean to say you want me
to marry you?"

"Certainly, Esther; I shouldn't pay you no attentions, if I didn't mean to
act like a gentleman by you."

"Well, I can tell you," said Esther, "I wouldn't marry you, to save your
life."

"You ain't in earnest, Esther?"

"Indeed I am," said Esther, "so you better not be coming here on any such
fool's errand again."

"Why, Esther," said Robert, re