it. I think this is a first love, hey!"

"The first and last with me, fath--General."

"Yes, yes, of course--I think I remember feeling a little in the same
way at your age. It won't be serious--these things never are!"

"But I am very serious. I have told her all about it. My honor is
pledged."

The young man--who, by the way, really seemed a mere boy yet to his
father--was going on with some vehemence, but he was coldly cut short by
the General, who sat regarding his enthusiasm with a most provoking
smile.

"Of course, I supposed so--eternal constancy and devotion on both sides!
Very well, what can I do about it?"

"Oh, father, I beg your pardon--but you can do everything. Your free,
hearty consent is all I ask--and if you would be so kind as to exert a
little influence with mother."

"Then you have told this to her, before coming to me," said the General,
and his brow darkened.

"No, sir, I have spoken to no one but Lina. It was my duty to come to
you first, and I am here."

"That is better; but how do you know that Mrs. Harrington will
disapprove of your caprice for her protege, if no one has spoken to her
on the subject?"

"I believe, sir, that Lina said something about it; but before she could
be very definite, my mother fainted. This frightened my--I mean, it
terrified poor Lina, and she had no courage to go on; so we were in
hopes, sir, that you would be so good."

The General sat gazing upon the handsome face of his son, with the air
of a person revolving some thought rapidly in his mind. At last, his
cold eyes brightened, and a smile crept over his mouth.

"It was very right to come here first, Ralph, and remember your duty
goes no farther. I will only consent to your marrying this girl at all,
on condition that you, neither of you, ever speak on the subject to any
one. You are both very young, and a year or two hence will be time
enough for a decision; but I will have no gossip about the matter. Above
all, my son James must be left entirely uncommitted. I only consent to
let this fancy have a proper trial. If it proves serious, of course the
whole family will be informed; but till then I must have your promise
not to speak of it to any one not already informed."

The young man drew close to his father, and taking his hand, kissed it.

"I promise, father!"

The General was pleased with the homage and grace of this action, and
rising placed a hand on Ralph's shoulder, more cordially than he h