His arm was around her waist, and he was bending over her, gazing down
into her face, and eagerly awaiting her answer.

Presently it came, in calm, gentle tones; "No, Horace; 'perfect love
casteth out fear,' and I cannot judge you hardly for what may
have been only a mistaken sense of duty, and has been so bitterly
repented."

"Heaven bless you, dearest, for these words," he answered with
emotion, "they have made me the happiest of men."

Horace Dinsmore wore upon his little finger a splendid diamond ring,
which had attracted a good deal of attention, especially among the
ladies; who admired it extremely, and of which Miss Stevens had hoped
to be one day the happy and envied possessor. Taking Rose's small
white hand in his again, he placed it upon her slender finger.

"This seals our compact, and makes you mine forever," he said,
pressing the hand to his lips.

"With the consent of my parents," murmured Rose, a soft blush mantling
her cheek.

Elsie was still in her papa's private parlor, for though it was long
past her usual hour for retiring, she had not yet done so; her father
having left a message with Chloe to the effect that she might, if she
chose, stay up until his return.

Chloe had dropped asleep in her chair, and the little girl was