A DELICATE PROPOSITION.

One afternoon—­when Mr. Minford was in excellent humor, having made a great discovery in the course of his experiments the previous night—­Marcus thought it a good opportunity to propose something that had been on his mind for a week past.

“Mr. Minford,” he said, “will you excuse me for meddling a little in your household affairs?”

“Not if you offer me any more kindness,” returned the inventor, smiling gratefully at his guest.  “I am too much in your debt already.”

“But you forget that I hold an interest in your invention, which you would make me take.  I consider that more than payment in full.”

“So you have confidence in my success?”

“You have begun to inspire me with it, I confess,” replied Marcus, indulging in a little unavoidable flattery.  “But—­but it was not to you that I was about to offer any kindness,” he continued, emphasizing the personal pronoun, and looking hard at Pet, who bent patiently over her work, and began to blush in anticipation that her name would be mentioned, Mr. Minford raised his eyes from a ratchet which he was finishing in a vice, and glanced with curiosity at the speaker.

“Do you not think, sir, that your daughter might profitably spare a few hours every day toward the completion of her education?  You have told me that her studies were interrupted by a change in your circumstances, some years ago.”

“Certainly she might,” answered the inventor, “and I thank you for the suggestion.  This machine has so completely engaged my thoughts, that I had quite lost sight of the dear girl’s education.  I should say, however, that I have been expecting at any moment to put the finishing touch on my invention, the very first profits of which I shall spend in employing a dozen teachers, if need be, for my little Pet.  She shall be an educated lady, if money can make her so.  Sha’n’t you, Pet?”

The young girl’s fingers twinkled faster at her work.  “I hope so, father,” said she.

“But, Mr. Minford, it is possible—­barely possible, you know—­that your invention may not be completed, nor money be realized from it, for many months; perhaps one or two years.  Suppose—­only suppose, of course—­your triumph to be postponed for even one year; your daughter will then be one year older, and less fitted to acquire the accomplishments which you desire her to possess, than she now is.  Pardon the suggestion, if it is an obtrusive one.  I plead the sincere interest which I take in you and her as my only excuse.”

“No apology is needed, my dear sir,” replied the inventor “I know and appreciate your thoughtful kindness toward us; and I consider your advice most excellent, especially as I intend to travel in Europe, and take out patents for my invention there.  It would be desirable to have my Pet learn French, and also to improve her knowledge of music.  You understand the English branches pretty well, I believe, my dear.  Let me see—­how long is it since you left school?”