the family, she did not like in any way to compromise Susan's name.
Indirectly she had asked the question, and, indirectly also, Mr.
Beckard's answer had been favourable.

"But it mustn't mean anything, sir," was the widow's weak answer,
when she had paused on the question for a moment.

"Oh no, of course not," said Aaron, joyously, and his face became
radiant and happy. "And I do beg your pardon for burning it; and
the young ladies' pardon too." And then he rapidly got out his
cardboard, and set himself to work about another bridge. The widow,
meditating many things in her heart, commenced the hemming of a
handkerchief.

In about an hour the two girls came back to the room and silently
took their accustomed places. Aaron hardly looked up, but went on
diligently with his drawing. This bridge should be a better bridge
than that other. Its acceptance was now assured. Of course it was
to mean nothing. That was a matter of course. So he worked away
diligently, and said nothing to anybody.

When they went off to bed the two girls went into the mother's room.
"Oh, mother, I hope he is not very angry," said Susan.

"Angry!" said Hetta, "if anybody should be angry, it is mother. He
ought to have known that Susan could not accept it. He should never
have offered it."

"But he's doing another," said Mrs. Bell.