ion.

Before they were disturbed matters were completely settled, though Dolf
pleaded for the engagement being kept secret a little while.

"I jis' want to see what dat ole parson'll say," he averred, though the
truth was, Dolf had been so indiscreet in his protestations to Victoria
that he was a little fearful of consequences if that high-spirited
damsel learned the news without a little preparation.

"Nebber you mind de parson," said Clo; "laws, I wouldn't wipe my ole
shoes on him, 'sides it ed be something wuth while jis' to denounce our
connubiolity to de hull company dis ebening."

But Dolf flattered and persuaded until she consented to comply with his
wishes.

Victoria had been so much occupied above stairs that she found no
opportunity for observation, otherwise Dolf's manner and the mysterious
air of importance which Clo assumed, would have warned her that
something extraordinary had happened.

Clo made Sally wait on her more than ever, boxed the girl's ears for her
own mistakes, tried on new turbans, surveyed herself in the glass, and
fluttered from room to room in the highest state of feminine triumph.
Dolf tried his best to be happy, but it required a vivid recollection of
the money lying in that bank to make him at all comfortable. He kept
repeating to himself:

"Five hundred dollars! One--two--three--four--five!"

Then he would remember Victoria's youth and golden beauty, his own
delicious freedom, and groan heavily. But he was sure to bring up his
spirits again by muttering, vigorously:

"Five hundred dollars! One--two--three--four--five!"

But it was a season of holiday delight to Clorinda. The highest
aspiration of her spinster soul was soon to be gratified--she would have
a husband! No long engagement for her; she made up her mind to that on
the moment. With that yellow bird once in the cage, she was not going to
lose time in closing the door--not she!

She fed her intended to repletion with dainties, and it spoke marvels
for his digestion that after all the dinner he had eaten he could make
such havoc among the cake and preserves, still looking complacently
forward to the prospect of broiled chicken. Crisp crullers disappeared
like frostwork in his nimble jaws, he laid in a very unnecessary stock
of tongue considering his natural advantages that way, made a dismal
cavern of an immense fruitcake, and softened the effect with a whole
mould of apricot jelly.

Dinah and Vic certainly kept hi