ing-maids
to do your bidding, and are invited to the court of his majesty the
king, and preside over your own table in the great baronial hall, with
the high-born gentlemen and ladies doing you honor, it stands to
reason that you will love him who brings these things to you."

"You speak, mother, of the society in which I shall move, but I have
no taste for such associations."

"Tush, child; you know nothing about it."

"Lord Upperton has given me a description of the employment and
pleasures of the society in which he moves, and I have no desire to
enter it. I shall not find happiness in its circles. I want to be just
what I am, your daughter, in our happy home."

"But, Ruth, you cannot always be with us. Your father and I earnestly
desire your future welfare and happiness. I am sure he will be
surprised and pained to hear that you do not wish to receive the
attentions of Lord Upperton."

Mr. Newville entered the room. He saw the trouble on the face of his
daughter.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Ruth thinks she never can love Lord Upperton and does not desire to
receive his attentions, but I have told her it is only a present whim,
just as mine was towards you."

"Of course, daughter," said Mr. Newville, with fatherly dignity, "it
could hardly be expected you would feel any very strong attachment for
Lord Upperton on so short an acquaintance. Conjugal love is a plant of
slow growth, but I think you would, ere long, appreciate the great
honors and the high privileges which he would confer upon you, and
that your heart would go out to him."

The troubled look upon the face of the daughter became more intense.
Her father as well as her mother would have her receive the attentions
of a man between whom and herself there was no possible sympathy. What
should she say? A tear trickled down her cheek: she made no movement
to wipe it away, but lifted her loving eyes and gazed steadily into
her father's.

"Since you both so earnestly desire it I will meet Lord Upperton
to-morrow evening and hear what he has to say," she replied.

"You could hardly do otherwise. I think the more you see of him the
better you will like him," said Mr. Newville.

"Of course you will, my child; and now, dear, think it over in your
chamber. I am sure you will see that a great opportunity has come to
you," said Mrs. Newville, giving her a kiss.

It was a summer night. The air was fragrant with the perfume of lilacs
and apple-blooms. The