"That you will permit me to renew my old intimacy with Lucy Carrington; or
at least to call on her. You remember she was not well enough to be at the
wedding; she is here at Ashlands with her baby. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington
called here yesterday while you were out, and both urged me not to be
ceremonious with Lucy, as she is hardly well enough to make calls and is
longing to see me."

"And what answer did you give them?" he asked with some curiosity.

"That I should do so if possible; that meant if I could obtain your
permission, papa."

"You have it. Lucy is in some sort taken into the family now, and you are
safely engaged; to say nothing of your mature years," he added laughingly,
as she seated herself on his knee again and thanked him with a hug and
kiss.

"You dear good papa!"

"Some girls of your age, heiresses in their own right, would merely have
said, 'I'm going,' never asking permission."

"Ah, but I like to be ruled by you. So please don't give it up. Now about
Enna?"

"If I had any authority in the matter, I should say, you shall not give
her a cent. She doesn't deserve it from you or any one."

"Then I shall wait till you change your mind."