This made them each more determined to secure the prize.

"Dear May, plead with your mother for me!" said the ardent young
doctor.

"Mamma will consent after a while," answered the gentle girl.

"After a while! Why not now? I am going away next month for a long
time. I cannot leave you, May. Would you wish me to?"

May turned pale at the thought, and raised her pleading eyes to her
mother.

It was enough. Doctor Wadsworth had used the surest weapon. A
separation was dreaded by both mother and daughter, and each for
different reasons. And then it was an easier thing for Harry Bennett
to obtain the mother's consent, to claim his love at the same time.

Mrs. Brownson, after giving her consent, requested a private interview
with her prospective sons-in-law. The girls were sent from the room,
and then Mrs. Brownson said:

"I have thought possibly, gentlemen, that a very foolish rumor may
have reached your ears respecting the wealth possessed by my
daughters, and that--excuse me, but I must allude to it--this may in a
measure have influenced your selecting them from the many young girls
here--"

"Oh, madam!" both men exclaimed simultaneously.