fortuity,
be surprised into asking me a second time for something very much
resembling my daughter's hand--eh?"

Rosa colored high. "He might, you know. How can I tell what gentlemen
will say when the ladies have retired and they are left alone
with--with"--

"With the bottle. Ay, that's true; when the wine is in, the wit is out."

Said Rosa, "Well, if he should happen to be so foolish, pray think of
ME; of all we owe him, and how much I love him, and ought to love him."
She then bestowed a propitiatory kiss, and ran off to dress for dinner;
it was a much longer operation to-day than usual.

Dr. Staines was punctual. Mr. Lusignan commented favorably on that.

"He always is," said Rosa, eagerly.

They dined together. Mr. Lusignan chatted freely, but Staines and Rosa
were under a feeling of restraint, Staines in particular; he could not
help feeling that before long his fate must be settled. He would either
obtain Rosa's hand, or have to resign her to some man of fortune who
would step in; for beauty such as hers could not long lack brilliant
offers. Longing, though dreading, to know his fate, he was glad when
dinner ended.

Rosa sat with them a little while after dinner, then rose, bestowed
another propitiatory kiss on her father's head, and retired with a
modest blush, and a look at Christopher that was almost divine.

It inspired him with the courage of lions, and he commenced the attack
at once.

CHAPTER V.

"Mr. Lusignan," said he, "the last time I was here you gave me some
hopes that you might be prevailed on to trust that angel's health and
happiness to my care."

"Well, Dr. Staines, I will not beat about the bush with you. My judgment
is still against this marriage; you need not look so alarmed; it does
not follow I shall forbid it. I feel I have hardly a right to, for my
Rosa might be in her grave now but for you; and, another thing, when I
interfered between you two I had no proof you were a man of ability; I
had only your sweetheart's word for that; and I never knew a case before
where a young lady's swan did not turn out a goose. Your rare ability
gives you another chance in the professional battle that is before you;
indeed, it puts a different face on the whole matter. I still think it
premature. Come now, would it not be much wiser to wait, and secure
a good practice before you marry a mere child? There! there! I
only advise; I don't dictate; you shall settle it together, you two
wise