Why, it's absurd! the very idea! I used to think him almost an elderly gentleman when you were a chit of eight or nine." "I remember having had some such idea myself; but he must have been growing young since then," returned Elsie, demurely.
"He seems to have been standing still (waiting for you, I suppose); but I never was more astonished in my life!" said Lora, dropping into a chair.
"It has been a genuine surprise to us all," remarked Rose.
"To me as much as anyone, mamma," said Elsie.

"I--had thought he was engaged to you, Aunt Adie." "To _me_, child!" "Why, my dear, I surely told you about her engagement to my brother Edward ?" exclaimed Adelaide and Rose simultaneously.
"You tried, mamma, and it was all my own fault that I did not hear the whole truth.

And, Aunt Adie, I cannot understand how he could ever fancy me, while he might have hoped there was a possibility of winning you." "'Twould have been a much more suitable match," said Lora.

"Though I'd have preferred the one in contemplation, except that in the other case, she would not be carried quite away from us.

But suppose we proceed to business.