his bargain--I was
still in the game--and then I narrated the afternoon incident at the
hospital. "Good little Peggy!" he cried. "That clears up one of my
troubles. But the great objection to this European business still holds.
She shall not be driven." I agreed with him--not a single step!

The business that called me to New York was Stillman Dane. A most
intelligent and quick-minded young gentleman--not at all a beauty
man--not even noticeably academic. He was about the middle height,
but very well set up, and evidently in good health of body and mind; a
clean-cut and energetic fellow, who had been matured by doing his work
and had himself well in hand. There was a look in his warm, brown eyes
that spoke of a heart unsullied and capable of the strongest and purest
affection; and at the same time certain lines about his chin and his
mouth, mobile but not loose lipped, promised that he would be able to
take care of himself and of the girl that he loved. His appearance and
his manner were all that I had hoped--even more, for they were not only
pleasant but thoroughly satisfactory.

He was courteous enough to conceal his slight surprise at my visit, but
not skilful enough to disguise his interest in hearing that I had just
come from the Talberts. I told him of the agreement with Cyrus Talbert,
the subsequent conversation with Mrs. Talbert, Peggy's drive with me to
Whitman, and her views upon dandies and other cognate subjects.

Then I explained to him quite clearly what I should conceive my duty to
be if I were in his place. He assented warmly to my view. I added that
if there were any difficulties in his mind I should advise him to lay
the case before my dear friend the Reverend George Alexanderson, of
the Irving Place Church, who was an extraordinarily sensible and human
clergyman, and to whom I would give him a personal letter stating the
facts. Upon this we shook hands heartily, and I went back to Peggy on
Thursday morning.

The house was delightfully quiet, and she was perfection as a hostess. I
never passed a pleasanter afternoon. But the evening was interrupted
by the arrival of Stillman Dane, who said that he had run up to say
good-bye. That seemed quite polite and proper, so I begged them to
excuse me, while I went into the den to write some letters. They were
long letters.

The next morning Peggy was evidently flustered, but divinely radiant.
She said that Mr. Dane had asked her to go driving with him--wou