A girl ought to be sure of that." "Oh, I am quite sure of that! I love him with all my heart," exclaimed Ida, and began to cry.
Miss Ludington sat down beside her, and, drawing the girl's head to her shoulder, tried to soothe her; but her gentleness only made Ida sob more vehemently.
Presently the elder lady said, "You are nervous, my little sister, don't cry, now.

We won't talk about it any more.

I did not intend to say a word to urge you against your wishes, but only to find out what they were.

You shall wait as long as you please before marrying him, and he shall not tease you.

Meanwhile I will see to it that, if I should die, you will be left secure and well provided for, even if you never marry any one." "What do you mean ?" asked Ida, raising her head and manifesting a sudden interest.
"I will adopt you as my daughter," said Miss Ludington, cheerily.