y: it was the formal knocking at the door, with the
prospect of being gravely ushered in by Rachel, to the presence of a
surprised, uncordial mistress, that so greatly disturbed me.

My wish, however, was not gratified. Mrs. Graham herself was not to be
seen; but there was Arthur playing with his frolicsome little dog in the
garden. I looked over the gate and called him to me. He wanted me to
come in; but I told him I could not without his mother's leave.

'I'll go and ask her,' said the child.

'No, no, Arthur, you mustn't do that; but if she's not engaged, just ask
her to come here a minute. Tell her I want to speak to her.'

He ran to perform my bidding, and quickly returned with his mother. How
lovely she looked with her dark ringlets streaming in the light summer
breeze, her fair cheek slightly flushed, and her countenance radiant with
smiles. Dear Arthur! what did I not owe to you for this and every other
happy meeting? Through him I was at once delivered from all formality,
and terror, and constraint. In love affairs, there is no mediator like a
merry, simple-hearted child--ever ready to cement divided hearts, to span
the unfriendly gulf of custom, to melt the ice of cold reserve, and
overthrow the separating walls of dread formality and pride.

'Well, Mr. Markham, what is it?' said the young mother, accosting me with
a pleasant smile.

'I want you to look at this book, and, if you please, to take it, and
peruse it at your leisure. I make no apology for calling you out on such
a lovely evening, though it be for a matter of no greater importance.'

'Tell him to come in, mamma,' said Arthur.

'Would you like to come in?' asked the lady.

'Yes; I should like to see your improvements in the garden.'

'And how your sister's roots have prospered in my charge,' added she, as
she opened the gate.

And we sauntered through the garden, and talked of the flowers, the
trees, and the book, and then of other things. The evening was kind and
genial, and so was my companion. By degrees I waxed more warm and tender
than, perhaps, I had ever been before; but still I said nothing tangible,
and she attempted no repulse, until, in passing a moss rose-tree that I
had brought her some weeks since, in my sister's name, she plucked a
beautiful half-open bud and bade me give it to Rose.

'May I not keep it myself?' I asked.

'No; but here is another for you.'

Instead of taking it quietly, I likewise took the han