"That is generously spoken, Mr. Woodward," replied the old man; "and it
will afford us sincere pleasure to reciprocate the sentiments you have
just expressed."

"You make me quite happy, sir," replied Woodward, bowing very
courteously. "This, I presume, is the young lady to whom my cousin Agnes
was so much attached?"

"She is, sir," replied her father.

"Might I hope for the honor of being presented to her, Mr. Goodwin?"

"With pleasure, sir. Alice, my dear, although you already know who this
gentleman is, yet allow me, nevertheless, to present him to you."

The formal introduction accordingly took place, after which Woodward,
turning to Mrs. Goodwin, said,

"I am not surprised, madam, at the predilection which my cousin
entertained for Miss Goodwin, even from what I see; but I feel that I am
restrained by her presence from expressing myself at further length. I
have only to say that I wish her every happiness, long life, and health
to enjoy that of which she seems, and I am certain is, so worthy."

He accompanied those words with a low bow and a very gracious smile,
after which, his horse having been brought to the door, he took his
leave with a great deal of politeness, and rode, according to the
directions received from Mr. Goodwin, toward his father's house.