closed it, and drew down the blind.

"You must go now, young gentleman," said he, almost churlishly.

The quick lover's sense in Lionel divined why the blind Avas drawn, and
the dismissal so abruptly given.

"Give me your address," said Waife; "I will write about--that paper.
Don't now stay longer--pray--pray."

"Do not fear, sir. I am not lingering here with the wish to see--her!"

Waife looked down.

"Before I asked the servant to announce me I took the precaution to learn
that you were alone. But a few words more--hear them patiently. Have
you any proof that should satisfy Mr. Darrell's reason that your Sophy is
his daughter's child?"

"I have Jasper's assurance that she is; and the copy of the nurse's
attestation to the same effect. They satisfied me. I would not have
asked Mr. Darrell to be as easily contented; I could but have asked him
to inquire, and satisfy himself. But he would not even hear me."

"He will hear you now, and with respect."

"He will!" cried Waife, joyously. "And if he should inquire and if
Sophy should prove to be, as I have ever believed, his daughter's child,
would he not' own, and receive, and cherish her?"