ther than a
father to you, however much the husband I might have _felt_. I came
to-day to lay my heart and fortune at your feet: a heart which, though
old, would have been true to you, and loved you dearly. It is, of
course, needless to tell you how great is my disappointment. I ask no
sacrifice of you, however. May you always be happy! God bless you!"

Della burst into tears.

"General Delville, I knew I could not be mistaken in your noble nature."

"Pardon an old man's curiosity, my child," said he, dropping at once
into the relationship Della had chosen for them; "but may I ask if a
younger suitor influences you in this matter?"

Della blushed very deeply, but answered, frankly, through her tears, in
the affirmative.

"You are sure you have chosen one worthy of such a heart as yours?"

"I think so, most truly."

"And his circumstances and station befit your own?"

"In point of wealth and station he is undoubtedly beneath me; but in
nature, in heart, I am certain he is all I could wish."

"And, knowing this, how could your father sanction my suit?"

"He knew nothing of these circumstances, sir. I have, from necessity,
kept it a secret from him. May I trust you to do the same?"

"You may, indeed. I would not sanction duplicity between father and
child; but neither would I have you sacrifice your happiness to a
father's pride. In early youth, had she, who won my first affections,
been as true to me, through such a test, as you have been to him you
love through this, I would, probably, have never occupied the position
of an old and disappointed suitor before you here."

"I would gladly reveal all to my parents, but that I know and dread the
consequences. And when they learn the course I have this day pursued
with you, the storm will perhaps be no less fierce."

"Fear nothing, Della; from this hour I am your sincere and devoted
champion, in all causes wherein I believe you to be _right_. The
confidence you have placed in me shall never be betrayed. Your father I
will gradually turn aside from the ideas he has cherished with regard to
you and myself. It is all better, no doubt, as it is; this, I must
admit, however lonely my heart may throb in saying it. I had hoped to be
happy in holding you to that heart, as one of its own rightful
treasures. I will now strive to make myself happy in seeing her so I
could not win. Whenever you want a friend, my child--one faithful and
sincere, and uninfluenced by selfish m