eve of this perilous enterprise.
Thrice my courage failed me at the critical moment. The fourth time I
think I should have gone, when a knock at the door arrested my
attention, and Frank's "Come in" welcomed a visitor whose voice I well
knew to be that of Cousin John. The plot began to thicken. It was
impossible to get away now.

"Lovell," said John, in an unusually grave voice, "I told you I wanted
to speak a word with you, and this is the only time I can make sure of
finding you alone."

Frank was busy huddling his treasures back into the writing-case.

"Drive on, old fellow," said he, "there's lots of time; it's not two
o'clock yet."

"Lovell," proceeded John, "you are an old friend of mine, and I have a
great regard for you, but I have a duty to perform, and I must go
through with it. Point-blank, on your honour as a gentleman, I ask
you, _Are you_ or _are you not_ engaged to be married to Miss
Molasses?"

Frank coloured, hesitated, looked confused, and then got angry.

"No intimacy can give you a right to ask such a question," he replied,
talking very fast and excitedly: "you take an unwarrantable liberty,
both with her and me. Who told you I was going to be married at all?
or what business is it of yours whether I am married or not?"

John began to get heated too, but he looked very determined.

"I am sorry you should take it thus," he replied, "for you force me to
come at once to the point. As the nearest relation and natural
guardian of my cousin, Miss Coventry, I must ask your intention with
regard to that young lady. I have often remarked you paid her great
attention, but it was not till to-day that I heard your name coupled
with hers, and a doubt expressed as to which of the ladies I have
mentioned you meant to honour with your preference. I don't want to
quarrel with you, Frank," added John, softening, "I don't want to
mistrust your good feelings or your honour. Perhaps you don't know her
as well as I do; perhaps you can't appreciate her value like me. Many
men would give away their lives for her--would think no sacrifice too
dear at which to purchase her regard. Believe me, Frank, she's worth
anything. If you have proposed to her, as I have reason to think you
must have done, confide in me; I will smooth all difficulties; I will
arrange everything for you both. God knows I love her better than
anything on earth; but _her_ happiness is my first consideration, and
if she likes you, Frank, she shall