Now, if by any means I could make him believe that I had received an offer from some one fully if not more than his equal, I think it would settle the matter, and I've decided upon the following plan.

I'll write a proposal myself, sign old Judge B----'s name to it, and next time Mr.Hamilton comes let him surprise me in reading it.

Then, as he is such a _dear_, long-tried friend, it will be quite proper for me to confide in him, and ask his advice." Lenora's eyes opened wider, as she exclaimed, "_My gracious_! who but _you_ would ever have thought of that." Accordingly the letter was written, sealed, directed, broken open, laughed over, and laid away in the stand drawer.
"Mr.Hamilton, mother," said Lenora, as half an hour afterward she ushered that gentleman into the room.

But so wholly absorbed was the black bombazine and linen collar in the contents of an open letter, which she held in her hand, that the words were twice repeated--"Mr.
Hamilton, mother"-- ere she raised her eyes! Then coming forward with well-feigned confusion, she apologized for not having observed him before, saying she was sure he would excuse her if he knew the contents of her letter.

Of course he wanted to know, and of course she didn't want to tell.