purpose to take her with him on his return. Some objections, he doubted
not, would be raised by his sober brother; but he placed his reliance for
success upon the mother's influence. No mother, he was sure, could reject
so brilliant an offer for her darling child.

The time spent by the merchant in writing letters, affecting operations in
the four quarters of the globe, was passed by the farmer in thoughtful
silence, though in the presence of his wife and daughter. He withdrew as he
heard his brother coming from his room.

"Uncle," said Susan, "do you wish to have those letters taken to the
post-office?"

"Yes, dear."

"Let me take them for you."

She received the letters from his willing hand, and left him alone with her
mother.

"Your husband," said he to Mrs. Clifton, "has spoken to you of the
proposition I made to him respecting my niece?"

"He has not," said Mrs. Clifton.

"I requested him to consult you. I proposed to take her home with me, and
give her the very first advantages for education that the city can afford."

"You are very generous. But what did Henry say to it?"