or the little
cousins at the Laurels. Presently, one being quite ready, Rosie must run
and show it to mamma, and Walter went with her.

The door had scarcely closed on them, leaving Violet and the captain sole
occupants of the room, when he rose from his chair and, moving with some
care and difficulty, took another close at her side.

"Are you not disobeying orders, sir, and in some danger of suffering for
it?" she asked, looking at him with a mischievous smile.

"No; I have the doctor's permission to try the ankle a little to-day," he
answered. Then, with a slightly embarrassed air, "Miss Travilla," he said,
"I should like to--would you accept a Christmas gift from me?"

"You are very kind, sir," she said, blushing vividly, "but I think I must
decline. Mamma highly disapproves of young girls accepting presents from
their gentlemen friends."

"But I have consulted her and your grandfather in regard to this, and
obtained their permission to offer it and ask for a return in kind. Will
you accept my hand (the heart you have already won) and give me yours in
exchange? Ah, I fear that you must think my presumption very great! I know
I am asking what a king might covet. I know that you, in your peerless
beauty--so fair, so sweet, so good, so talented, so admired and sought
after--are worthy of a throne, and I have not even wealth to offer
you--nothing, in fact, but the love of a man whose honor is unstained, and
who would cherish you as the apple of his eye. Ah, dearest girl, I have
no words to express the strength and power of the passionate affection
with which you have inspired me!"

All this and much more in the same strain was poured out so rapidly and
ardently that Violet seemed overwhelmed by the torrent of words that had
come rushing upon her so unexpectedly and without any warning.

A deep blush overspread the fair face and neck, while her work fell from
her hand and her eyes sought the floor.

When at length he paused for a reply, she started up, saying confusedly,
in low, tremulous tones, "I--I am far from meriting the praises you have
heaped upon me, and I am very young and foolish--not fit for--for so noble
and good a man--so worthy to be highly honored. And I--oh, how could I
leave my dear, widowed mother!" Then, as approaching footsteps were heard
in the hall without, she turned and fled from the room.

"Ah, grandpa's little cricket, what is it? what has disturbed you so?"
asked a well-known voice, in