"I should have said so too," remarked the minister, reflectively. "Poor
boy, poor boy! He seems to feel very badly, and it is hard to know how to
cheer him."

"Yes, sir--that is--certainly," replied Henry incoherently, for
Madeline was now coming down the aisle.

In his own preoccupation not noticing the young man's, Mr. Lewis passed
out.

As she approached the door Madeline was talking animatedly with another
young lady.

"Good-evening," said Henry.

"Poor fellow!" continued Madeline to her companion, "he seemed quite
hopeless."

"Good-evening," repeated Henry.

Looking around, she appeared to observe him for the first time.
"Good-evening," she said.

"May I escort you home?" he asked, becoming slightly red in the face.

She looked at him for a moment as if she could scarcely believe her ears
that such an audacious proposal had been made to her. Then she said, with
a bewitching smile--

"I shall be much obliged."