wonder at and admire beauty, without being in the least danger of having
his peace of mind disturbed by love. And as yet her idea of him was
just.

"And mother, of course, you will go," said Traverse.

"Oh, I do not know! The proposition was so sudden and unexpected, and is
so serious and important, that I must take time to reflect," said Mrs.
Rocke, thoughtfully.

"How much time, mother? Will until to-morrow morning do? It must, little
mother, because I promised to carry your consent back with me! Indeed, I
did, mother!" exclaimed the impatient boy.

Mrs. Rocke dropped her head upon her hand, as was her custom when in
deep thought. Presently she said:

"Travy, I'm afraid this is not a genuine offer of a situation of
housekeeper! I'm afraid that it is only a ruse to cover a scheme of
benevolence! and that they don't really want me, and I should only be in
their way."

"Now, mother, I do assure you, they do want you! Think of that young
girl and elderly gentleman! Can either of them take charge of a large
establishment like that of Willow Heights?"

"Well argued, Traverse; but granting that they need a housekeeper, how
do I know I would suit them?"

"Why, you may take their own words for that, mother!"

"But how can they know? I am afraid they would be disappointed!"

"Wait until they complain, mother!"

"I don't believe they ever would!"

"I don't believe they ever would have cause!"

"Well, granting also that I should suit them"--the mother paused and
sighed. Traverse filled up the blank by saying:

"I suppose you mean--if you should suit them they might not suit you!"

"No, I do not mean that! I am sure they would suit me; but there is one
in the world who may one day come to reason and take bitter umbrage at
the fact that I should accept a subordinate situation in any household,"
murmured Mrs. Rocke, almost unconsciously.

"Then that 'one in the world,' whoever he, she, or it may be, had better
place you above the necessity, or else hold his, her, or its tongue!
Mother, I think that goods thrown in our way by Providence had better be
accepted, leaving the consequences to Him!"

"Traverse, dear, I shall pray over this matter to-night and sleep on it;
and He to whom even the fall of a sparrow is not indifferent will guide
me," said Mrs. Rocke; and here the debate ended.

The remainder of the evening was spent in laudation of Clare Day, and in
writing a letter to Herbert Greyson, at West Point, i