I wondered that he should be father of so fair a human being as Elisabeth.
"Oh, of course--that," I answered; "Miss Elisabeth and I--" "The skeesicks!" he exclaimed.

"I thought she told me everything." "I think Miss Elisabeth tells no one quite everything," I ventured.

"I confess she has kept me almost as much in the dark as yourself, sir.

But I only wanted to ask if, after I have seen her to-day, and if I should gain her consent to an early day, you would not waive any objections on your own part and allow the matter to go forward as soon as possible ?" In answer to this he arose from his chair and stood looking out of the window, his back turned to me.

I could not call his reception of my suggestion enthusiastic; but at last he turned.
"I presume that our two families might send you young people a sack of meal or a side of bacon now and then, as far as that is concerned," he said.
I could not call this speech joyous.
"There are said to be risks in any union, sir," I ventured to say.