he matter,--to take
a week, two if she liked, to think over it; but no, she would not listen
to my compromise; she was steady and resolute, and yet at the same time
much moved. She said 'No!' but she said it as if there was a reason she
should say so, while it was in direct violence to all her wishes. Mind,
this is mere surmise on my part. I am speaking of one of whose nature
and temperament I know nothing. I may just as easily be wrong as
right. She is, indeed, a puzzle to me; and one little trait of her has
completely routed all my conceit in my own power of reading character.
In my eagerness to overcome her objections, I was picturing the life
of enjoyment and interest Italy would open to her,--the charm of a land
that realizes in daily life what poets and painters can only
shadow forth; and in my ardor I so far forgot myself as to call her
Dolly,--'dear Dolly,' I said. The words overcame her at once. She grew
pale, so sickly pale that I thought she would have fainted; and as two
heavy tears stood in her eyes, she said in a cold quiet voice: 'I beg
you will not press me any more. I am very grateful to you; but I cannot
accept your offer.'

"Bella insisted on our going over to your mother, and enlisting her
advocacy in the cause. I did not like the notion, but I gave way. Your
dear mother, all kind as she ever is, went the same evening to the
Burnside; but a short note from her the next morning showed she had no
better success than ourselves.

"Naturally,--you at least will say so,--I am ten times more eager about
my plan now that it is pronounced impracticable. I have written to Dr.
Stewart. I have sent papa to him; mamma has called at the cottage.
I have made Dr. Reede give a written declaration that Miss Stewart's
case,--I quote him,--'as indicated by a distinct "Bronchoffany" in the
superior portion of the right lung, imperatively demands the benefit of
a warm and genial climate;' and with all these _pieces de conviction_ I
am beaten, turned out of court, and denied a verdict.

"Have you any explanation to offer about this, Master Tony? Dolly was an
old playfellow of yours, your mother tells me. What key can you give us
as to her nature? Is she like what she was in those old days; and when
did you cease to have these games together? I fancied--was it mere
fancy?--that she grew a little red when we spoke of you. Mind, sir, I
want no confessions. I want nothing from _you_ but what may serve to
throw light upon _h