t to mention that she is entitled
to a few hundred pounds,--less, I think, than five,--which, of course,
could be forthcoming."

"A small consideration, certainly, madam," said he, bowing, "but not to
be overlooked." He arose and walked the room, as though deep in
thought; at last, halting before her chair, and fixing a steady but not
disrespectful gaze on her, he said, "I have but one difficulty in this
affair, madam, but yet it is one which I know not how to surmount."

"State it, sir," said she, calmly.

"It is this, madam: in the most unhappy newness of our acquaintance I
am ignorant of many things which, however anxious to know, I have
no distinct right to ask, so that I stand between the perils of my
ignorance and the greater perils of possible presumption."

"I declare to you frankly, sir, I cannot guess to what you allude. If I
only surmised what these matters were, I might possibly anticipate your
desire to hear them."

"May I dare, then, to be more explicit?" asked he, half timidly.

"It is for you, sir, to decide upon that," said she, with some
haughtiness.

"Well, madam," said he, boldly, "I want to know are you a widow?"

"Yes, sir," said she, with a calm composure.

"Am I, then, to believe that you can act free and uncontrolled, without
fear of any dictation or interference from others?"

"Of course, sir."

"I mean, in short, madam, that none can gainsay any rights you exercise,
or revoke any acts you execute?"

"Really, sir, I cannot fancy any other condition of existence, except it
be to persons confined in an asylum."

"Nay, madam, you are wrong there," said he, smiling; "the life of every
one is a network of obligations and ties, not a whit the less binding
that they are not engrossed on parchment, and attested by three
witnesses; liberty to do this, or to omit that, having always some
penalty as a consequence."

"Oh, sir, spare me these beautiful moralizings, which only confuse my
poor weak woman's head, and just say how they address themselves to me."

"Thus far, madam: that your right over the young lady cannot be
contested nor shared?"

"Certainly not It is with me to decide for her."

"When, with your permission, I have seen her and spoken with her, if
I find that no obstacle presents itself, why then, madam, I accept the
charge--"

"And are her guardian," broke she in. "Remember, it is in that character
that you assume your right over her. I need not tell a person of such