re.' That was,
at least, how I meant it, and I have a notion that she understood me
as well. I have a strong notion that we understand these women critturs
better than you Britishers!"

"You must leave _me_ out of the category of the shrewd ones, however,"
said Winthrop. "I saw her but once in my life, and yet I never came away
from a visit with the same amount of favorable impression. She met
me like an old friend, but at the same time there was a delicacy and
reserve about her that seemed to say, 'It is for _you_ to ratify this
compact if you like. When _you_ sign the treaty, it is finished.'"

From the discussion of the past they proceeded to the future, upon which
all felt that Winthrop could speak with most authority, since he was
Clara's kinsman and guardian.

"What do you mean to do by the gal, sir?" asked the Colonel.

"I intend to see her as soon as I can, give her the good news of her
accession to fortune, and leave her to choose whether she will come back
with me to the States, or would prefer that I should remain with her in
Europe."

"And ain't there any other alternative possible in the case, sir?" asked
Quackinboss. "Does n't it strike you as just possible that she might say
'No' to each of these proposals, and fix another one for herself?"

"I don't quite understand you, Colonel," said the other.

"I ain't a-goin' to talk riddles, sir. What I mean is, that the young
woman may have other thoughts in her head than either of your plans;
and now I 'll call upon my honor'ble friend, Mr. Alfred Layton, to
address the House."

Crimson with shame and confusion, young Layton turned an imploring look
at Quackinboss; but the Colonel was indifferent to the appeal, and waved
his hand as if bespeaking silence.

"It is rather for me to speak here," said the doctor. "My son has to
begin life with a large arrear of his father's faults to redeem. He
has to restore to our name, by conduct and honorable bearing, the fair
repute that once attached to it. Honest industry is the safe and sure
road to this, and there is no other. He has promised to try and bring
back to me in _his_ name the suffrages of that university which I
forfeited in _mine_. If he succeed, he will have made me proud of him."

"I like that," broke in Quackinboss. "Square it all first with them
critturs in the college, and then think of a wife. Go at it, sir, and
work like a nigger; there ain't nothing will give you such courage as
the very fati