me, Cary," said her mother, eagerly. "I declare I can read
it perfectly. Is it possible?--can this be indeed true?"

"Of course it is, mamma. Will you tell me by what other coincidence
you could find Olivia's name coupled with the words 'settlement' and
'addresses' in the same note?"

"It is very suspicious, certainly," said Aunt Fanny.

"I think it very convincing, aunt--not suspicious," said Miss Kennyfeck,
proudly. "Here is something about 'friend,' and another word I can't
make out."

"That's something about a 'saw,' my love," said Aunt Fanny.

"How absurd, aunt; the word is 'law.' I have it. See--here is the
name--it is the conclusion of the note, and ran, doubtless, thus: 'Your
present friend, and future son-in-law,--R. C."

Mrs. Kennyfeck leaned forward, and kissed her daughter's cheek with a
degree of fervor she very rarely gave way to; and then, lying back in
her chair, pressed her handkerchief to her face, while she, doubtless,
revelled in a little excursion of fancy, not the less brilliant because
tempered with anxiety.

If the moment was one of maternal ecstasy for Mrs. Kennyfeck, it was no
less one of triumphant joy to her daughter. It was _she_ who revealed
the secret meaning; her skill and ingenuity had given light to the dark
mystery, and consistency to its incoherence. What domination could be
too great for such services? It was then, like a legitimate sovereign
assuming the reins of government, she said,--

"I beg, Aunt Fanny, that you will not spoil the game this time, as most
unquestionably you did before."

"Let us see that there is one to be spoiled, my dear," rejoined Aunt
Fanny, snappishly.

"You are really too provoking, Fanny," said Mrs. Kennyfeck, removing her
handkerchief from two very red eyelids. "You never are satisfied when
you see us happy. Cary has shown you enough to convince any one--"

"Anyone disposed to conviction, mamma," broke in Miss Kennyfeck,
haughtily. "Hush, here's Olivia."

"Mr. Meek is reading the 'Post,' ma," said the young lady, entering;
"and he has got the other papers in his pocket, but he says there's
really nothing of any interest in them."

"I think Livy should be told, mamma," whispered Miss Kennyfeck to her
mother.

"I quite agree with you, Cary," said Mrs. Kennyfeck; "I never was a
friend to any secrecy in families. Your father, indeed, I grieve to say,
does not participate in my sentiments; but much may be excused in him,
from the habits of h