However, I will say no more on that subject at present.

It would scarcely be delicate until the reconciliation is fully accomplished; then, indeed, perhaps I may endeavor, with fear and trembling, to make myself understood.

Only until then, I beg of you to think well of me, and permit me to consider myself as not unworthy of a humble place in your affections." Old Goodwin shook him warmly by the hand, and his wife once more had recourse to her pocket-handkerchief.

"God bless you, Mr.Woodward!" he exclaimed, "God bless you, I now see your worth, and know it; you already have our good-will and affections, and, what is more, we feel that you deserve them." "I wish, my dear sir," said the other, "that Miss Goodwin understood me as well as you and her respected mother." "She does, Mr.Woodward," replied her father; "she does, and she will too." "I tremble, however," said Woodward, with a deep sigh; "but I will leave my fate in your hands, or, I should rather say in the hands of Heaven." Lunch was then announced, and they went down to the front parlor, where it was laid out.

On entering the room Woodward was a good deal disappointed to find that Miss Goodwin was not there.
"Will not Miss Goodwin join us ?" he asked.
"Certainly," said her father; "Martha, where is she ?" "You know, my dear, she seldom lunches," replied her mother.
"Well, but she will now," said Goodwin; "it is not every day we have Mr.
Woodward; let her be sent for.