"Would you like it, dearest?" he asked; "or would you prefer to go on
living just as we have been, you and I together? I would consult your
happiness before my own, for it lies very near my heart, my precious
one. I can never forgive myself for all I have made you suffer, and
when you were restored to me almost from the grave, I made a vow to do
all in my power to make your future life bright and happy."

His tones were full of deep feeling, and as he spoke he drew her
closer and closer to him and kissed her tenderly again and again.

"Speak, daughter, and tell me what you wish," he said, as she still
remained silent.

At last she spoke, and he bent down to catch the words. "Dear papa,"
she whispered, "would it make you happy? and do you think mamma knows,
and that she would like it?"

"Your mamma loves us both too well not to be pleased with anything
that would add to our happiness," he replied gently.

"Dear papa, you won't be angry if I ask another question?'"'

"No, darling; ask as many as you wish."

"Then, papa, will I have to call her mamma? and do you think my own
mamma would like it?"

"If Miss Allison consents to take a mother's place to you, I am sure
your own mamma, if she could speak to you, would tell you she deserved
to have the title; and it would hurt us both very much if you refused