All the family liked Mr.Twentyman,--unless it might be Mary, who was the one that he specially liked himself.

And Mary was not altogether averse to him, knowing him to be good-natured, manly, and straightforward.

But Mr.Twentyman had proposed to her, and she had--certainly not accepted him.

This, however, had broken none of the family friendship.

Every one in the house, unless it might be Mary herself, hoped that Mr.Twentyman might prevail at last.