“It is necessary,” he said, “for either myself or Mr. Douglas to go to Cuba; and as Rose’s health makes a change of climate advisable for her, George has proposed to me to go and take my sister there for the winter.  And, Maggie,” he continued, “will you go, too?  We are to sail the middle of October, stopping for a few weeks in Florida, until the unhealthy season in Havana is passed.  I will see your grandmother to-morrow morning—­will once more honorably ask her for your hand, and if she still refuses, as you think she will, it cannot surely be wrong in you to consult your own happiness instead of her prejudices.  I will meet you at old Hagar’s cabin at the time appointed.  Rose and my aunt, who is to accompany her, will be in New York, whither we will go immediately.  A few moments more and you will be my wife, and beyond the control of your grandmother.  Do you approve my plan, Maggie, darling?  Will you go?”

Maggie could not answer him then, for an elopement was something from which she instinctively shrunk, and with a faint hope that her grandmother might consent she went back to her sister’s room, where she had not yet been missed.  Very rapidly the remainder of the afternoon passed away, and at an early hour, wishing to know “exactly how she was going to look,” Maggie commenced her toilet.  Theo, too, desirous of displaying her white satin as long as possible, began to dress; while Madam Conway, in no haste to don her purple satin, which was uncomfortably tight, amused herself by watching the passers-by, nodding at intervals, in her chair.

While thus occupied, a perfumed note was brought to her, the contents of which elicited from her an exclamation of surprise.

“Can it be possible!” she said; and thrusting the note into her pocket she hastily left the room.

She was gone a long, long time; and when at last she returned, she was evidently much excited, paying no attention whatever to Theo, who, in her bridal robes, looked charming, but minutely inspecting Maggie, to see if in her adornings there was aught out of its place.  Her dress was faultless, and she looked so radiantly beautiful, as she stood before her grandmother, that the old lady kissed her fondly, whispering, as she did so, “You are indeed beautiful!” It was a long time ere Madam Conway commenced her own toilet, and then she proceeded so slowly that George Douglas became impatient, and she finally suggested that he and Theo should go without her, sending the carriage back for herself and Maggie.  To this proposition he at last yielded; and when they were left alone Madam Conway greatly accelerated her movements, dressing herself in a few moments, and then, much to Maggie’s surprise, going below without a word of explanation.  A few moments only elapsed ere a servant was sent to Maggie, saying that her presence was desired at No. 40, a small private parlor adjoining the public drawing rooms.

“What can it mean?  Is it possible that Henry is there?” Maggie asked herself, as with a beating heart she descended the stairs.