But to win the maiden's favor was not so easy a task, as the young man soon found.

His offered hand was firmly declined.
"Am I to consider your present decision as final ?" said the young man, in surprise and disappointment.
"I wish you to do so, Mr.Mortimer," said Flora.
"Your father approves my suit," said he.

"I have his full consent to make you this offer of my hand." "I cannot but feel flattered at your preference," returned Flora; "but, to accept your offer, would not be just either to you or myself.

I, therefore, wish you to understand me as being entirely in earnest." This closed the interview and definitely settled the question.

When Mr.Johnson learned that the offer of Mortimer had been declined, he was very angry with his daughter, and, in the passionate excitement of his feelings, committed a piece of folly for which he felt an immediate sense of shame and regret.
The interview between Mr.Mortimer and Flora took place during the afternoon, and Mr.Johnson learned the result from a note received from the disappointed young man, just as he was about leaving his store to return home.