in one-third of his real property, called a
dower right, which would revert to his children if she died without
remarrying.}

CHAPTER XVI.

For a week nothing material transpired. All that time I lay in the
drawer, gaining a knowledge of what passed, in the best manner I could.
Betts Shoreham was a constant visitor at the house, and Tom Thurston
made his appearance with a degree of punctuality that began to attract
notice, among the inmates of the house on the opposite side of the
street. All this time, however, Tom treated Julia with the greatest
respect, and even distance, turning more of his attention toward Mrs.
Monson. He acted in this manner, because he thought he had secured a
sufficient lien on the young lady, by means of her "yes," and knew how
important it was for one who could show none of the usual inducements
for consent, to the parents, to obtain the good-will of the "old lady."

At the end of the week, Mrs. Monson opened her house to receive the
world. As a matter of course, I was brought out on this occasion. Now,
Betts Shoreham and Mademoiselle Hennequin had made great progress
toward an understanding in the course of this week, though the lady
becoming more and more conscious of the interest she had created in the
heart of the gentleman, her own conduct got to be cautious and
reserved. At length, Betts actually carried matters so far as to write
a letter, that was as much to the point as a man could very well come.
In a word, he offered his hand to the excellent young French woman,
assuring her, in very passionate and suitable terms, that she had been
mistress of his affections ever since the first month of their
acquaintance. In this letter, he implored her not to be so cruel as to
deny him an interview, and there were a few exceedingly pretty
reproaches, touching her recent coy and reserved deportment.

Mademoiselle Hennequin was obliged to read this letter in Julia's room,
and she took such a position to do it, as exposed every line to my
impertinent gaze, as I lay on the bed, among the other finery that was
got out for the evening. Mrs. Monson was present, and she had summoned
the governess, in order to consult her on the subject of some of the
ornaments of the supper table. Fortunately, both Julia and her mother
were too much engaged to perceive the tears that rolled down the cheeks
of the poor stranger, as she read the honest declaration of a fervid
and manly love, nor did either detect t