sight. Is that what you are trying to say?"

"No!" responded Mr. Walraven, emphatically. "I am not in the least in
love with you, and never mean to be--in that way."

"Oh, in what way, then, Mr. Walraven?"

"I am a rich man, Miss Dane, and a lonely man very often, and I should
like to have a daughter to cheer my old age--a daughter like you,
Mistress Cricket, saucy and bright, and so pretty that it will be
a pleasure only to look at her."

"And a very complimentary papa you will make. Have you no daughters of
your own, Mr. Walraven?"

"None, Miss Mollie. I have the misfortune to have no wife."

"And never mean to have?"

"Can't say about that. I may one day."

"And you are quite sure you will never want me to fill that vacant
honor?"

"Surer than sure, my dear little girl I want you only for my adopted
daughter."

"And you never saw me before last night?"

"Never," said Carl Walraven, unflinchingly.