Whilst this dialogue went on in a low tone, the other members of the
family sat in silence and concern, each evidently anxious to develop the
mystery of Jane's recent excitement at dinner. At length the old man's
eye fell upon his two other daughters, and he said:

"What is this, children--what is this whispering all about? Perhaps some
of you can explain the conduct of that poor child."

"But, papa," said Agnes, "you are not to know all our secrets."

"Am I not, indeed, Aggy? That's pretty evident from the cautious tone in
which you and Mary speak."

"Well, but Agnes is right, Henry," said her mother: "to know the
daughters' secrets is my privilege--and yours to know William's--if he
has any."

"Upon my word, mother, mine are easily carried, I assure you."

"Suppose, papa," observed Agnes, good-humoredly, "that I was to fall in
love, now--as is not----

"Improbable that you may--you baggage," replied her father, smiling,
whilst he completed the sentence; "Well, and you would not tell me if
you did?"

"No indeed, sir; I should not. Perhaps I ought,--but I could not,
certainly, bring myself to do it. For instance, would it be either
modest or delicate in me, to go and say to your face, 'Papa, I'm in
love.' In that case the next step, I suppose, would be to make you the