A consciousness of last night’s wishes and dreams made Alfred blush as he said, “It occurred to me that your eldest daughter might be betrothed to Mr. Fitzgerald.”

“I hope not,” quickly rejoined Mr. Royal.  “He is not the sort of man with whom I would like to intrust her happiness.  I think, if it were so, Rosabella would have told me, for my children always confide in me.”

“I took it for granted that you liked him,” replied Alfred; “for you said an introduction to your home was a favor you rarely bestowed.”

“I never conferred it on any young man but yourself,” answered Mr. Royal, “and you owed it partly to my memory of your honest father, and partly to the expression of your face, which so much resembles his.”  The young man smiled and bowed, and his friend continued:  “When I invited you, I was not aware Mr. Fitzgerald was in the city.  I am but slightly acquainted with him, but I conjecture him to be what is called a high-blood.  His manners, though elegant, seem to me flippant and audacious.  He introduced himself into my domestic sanctum; and, as I partook of his father’s hospitality years ago, I find it difficult to eject him.  He came here a few months since, to transact some business connected with the settlement of his father’s estate, and, unfortunately, he heard Rosabella singing as he rode past my house.  He made inquiries concerning the occupants; and, from what I have heard, I conjecture that he has learned more of my private history than I wished to have him know.  He called without asking my permission, and told my girls that his father was my friend, and that he had consequently taken the liberty to call with some new music, which he was very desirous of hearing them sing.  When I was informed of this, on my return home, I was exceedingly annoyed; and I have ever since been thinking of closing business as soon as possible, and taking my daughters to France.  He called twice again during his stay in the city, but my daughters made it a point to see him only when I was at home.  Now he has come again, to increase the difficulties of my position by his unwelcome assiduities.”

“Unwelcome to you” rejoined Alfred; “but, handsome and fascinating as he is, they are not likely to be unwelcome to your daughters.  Your purpose of conveying them to France is a wise one.”

“Would I had done it sooner!” exclaimed Mr. Royal.  “How weak I have been in allowing circumstances to drift me along!” He walked up and down the room with agitated steps; then, pausing before Alfred, he laid his hand affectionately on his shoulder, as he said, with solemn earnestness, “My young friend, I am glad your father did not accept my proposal to receive you into partnership.  Let me advise you to live in New England.  The institutions around us have an effect on character which it is difficult to escape entirely.  Bad customs often lead well-meaning men into wrong paths.”