"No."

"Why not? He seems very slow about it."

"I hardly know how you expect me to reply to such a question," said
Laura, a little haughtily.

"Is he as attentive as ever?"

"Yes, I suppose so, though he has not called quite so often of late."

"Humph!" ejaculated Mr. Allen meditatively, adding after a moment,
"Can't you make him speak out?"

"You certainly don't mean me to propose to him?" asked Laura,
reddening.

"No, no, no!" said her father with some irritation, "but any clever
woman can make a man who has gone as far as Mr. Goulden commit himself
whenever she chooses. Your mother would have had the thing settled
long ago, or else would have enjoyed the pleasure of refusing him."

"I am not mistress of that kind of finesse," said Laura coldly.

"You are a woman," replied her father coolly, "and don't need any
lessons. It would be well for us both if you would exert your native
power in this case."

Laura glanced keenly at her father and asked quickly: