is
rather proud of the Dutch element in his nature. He told me it gave
him the patient industry, and the love of detail, without which his
great book would be a great failure. But this is aside from the
question that fills your heart, I know. Speak to me, then, as freely
as you wish, about Yanna."

"I love Yanna; I feel as if I had always loved her! I have no hope
that does not drift to her."

"That is well, and as it should be. I also love her. I have no words
to say how nor yet how much. But I do not wish to part with her just
yet. Wait a little while."

"I must perforce wait, sir. I cannot marry for some time; my income is
necessary to my family."

"For how long must you wait?"

"I know not precisely--but my sister's marriage will make a great
difference."

"When does your sister marry?"

"As yet there is no prospect of her marriage. Doubtless this winter
will make a change."

"Well, I do not complain of a circumstance that leaves my daughter to
bless my own life. But there has been talk--a great deal of
talk--people do not believe that it is Antony you come to see day
after day, and week in, and week out. Adriana's name has been named
with your name, and if her father and brother had not been at her side
it would have been shadowed in the contact. Now to-morrow night you
have a great entertainment; there could be no better time to announce
your engagement. It will please your father to explain to the Woodsome
people all that I have told you; and Antony can say in response all
that is pleasant and necessary. To turn your ball into a betrothal
feast would give Woodsome people a winter's conversation, and set
Yanna where she ought to stand."

Harry was silent, and Peter looked at him with a changing face. At
length the young man said: "I do not think that would do, sir. Father
cares nothing at all for society, and he would most likely be
delighted to take the romantic part you assign him. But mother would
feel the situation cruelly. It would get into the papers, and we
should never hear the last of it. I could not bear it for Yanna's
sake. I do not like people discussing her antecedents and prospects. I
do not like them to speak of her at all. Mother is indeed very anxious
that we should keep our engagement secret for a short time. She thinks
it will help Rose to a settlement, and so hasten her own marriage."

"Mr. Filmer, do you know what you are doing? You are asking my
daughter to marry you, and then