All this time, Henry had not spoken, but thought was busily at work.  He could not bestir himself; he had no energy for that now; but he could marry Ella Campbell, whose wealth would keep him in the position he now occupied, besides supplying many of Rose’s wants.

Cursing the fate which had reduced him to such an extremity, towards the dusk of evening, Henry started again for Mrs. Campbell’s.  Lights were burning in the parlor and as the curtains were drawn back, he could see through the partially opened shutter, that Ella was alone.  Reclining in a large sofa chair, she sat, leaning upon her elbow, the soft curls of her brown hair falling over her white arm, which the full blue cashmere sleeve exposed to view.  She seemed deeply engaged in thought, and never before had she looked so lovely to Henry, who, as he gazed upon her, felt a glow of pride, in thinking that fair young girl could be his for the asking.

“I wish she was not so confounded flat,” thought he, hastily ringing the door-bell.

Instantly divining who it was, Ella sprang up, and when Henry entered the parlor, he found her standing in the centre of the room, where the full blaze of the chandelier fell upon her childish features, lighting them up with radiant beauty.

“And so my little pet is alone,” said he, coming forward, and raising to his lips the dainty fingers which Ella extended towards him.  “I hope the old aunty is out,” he continued, “for I want to see you on special business.”

Ella noticed how excited he appeared, and always on the alert for something when he was with her, she began to tremble, and without knowing what she said, asked him “what he wanted of her?”

“Zounds!” thought Henry, “she meets me more than half-way;” and then, lest his resolution should fail, he reseated her in the chair she had left, and drawing an ottoman to her side, hastily told her of his love, ending his declaration, by saying that from the first time he ever saw her, he had determined that she should be his wife!  And Ella, wholly deceived, allowed her head to droop upon his shoulder, while she whispered to him her answer.  Thus they were betrothed,—­Henry Lincoln and Ella Campbell.

“Glad am I to be out of that atmosphere,” thought the newly engaged young man, as he reached the open air, and began to breathe more freely.  “Goodness me, won’t I lead a glorious life, with that jar of tomato sweetmeats!  Now, if she’d only hung back a little,—­but no, she said yes before I fairly got the words out; but money covereth a multitude of sins,—­I beg your pardon, ma’am,” said he quickly, as he became conscious of having rudely jostled a young lady, who was turning the corner.