This allusion to the arrangements contemplated in the event of the marriage, redeemed, to a certain degree, the simple-hearted Mrs. Goodwin from the strongest possible contempt on the part of a woman who was never known to shed a tear upon any earthly subject.

“Well, then,” proceeded Mrs. Lindsay, “I am to understand that this proposal on the behalf of my son is accepted?”

“So far as I and Mrs. Goodwin are concerned,” replied Goodwin, “you are, indeed, Mrs. Lindsay, and so far all is smooth and easy; but, on the other hand, there is Alice—­she, you know, is to be consulted.”

“O! as for poor Alice,” said her mother, “there will be no difficulty with her; whatever I and her father wish her to do, if it be to please us, that she will do.”

“I trust,” said Mrs. Lindsay, “she has no previous attachment; for that would be unfortunate for herself, poor girl.”

“She an attachment!” exclaimed her mother; “no, the poor, timid creature never thought of such a thing.”

“It is difficult for parents to know that,” replied Mrs. Lindsay; “but where is she?”

“She’s gone out,” replied her mother, “to take a pleasant jaunt somewhere with a young friend of ours, a Mr. O’Connor; but, indeed, I’m glad she is not here, for if she was, we could not, you know, discuss this matter in her presence.”

“That is very true,” observed Mrs. Lindsay, dryly; “but perhaps she doesn’t regret her absence.  As it is, I think you ought to impress upon her that, in the article of marriage, a young and inexperienced girl like her ought to have no will but that of her parents, who are best qualified, from their experience and knowledge of life to form and direct her principles.”

“I do not think,” said her father, “that there is anything to be apprehended on her part.  She is the most unselfish and disinterested girl that ever existed, and sooner than give her mother or me a pang, I am sure she would make any sacrifice; but at the same time,” he added, “if her own happiness were involved in the matter, I should certainly accept no such sacrifice at her hands.”

“As to that, Mr. Goodwin,” she replied, “I hope we need calculate upon nothing on her part but a willing consent and obedience.  At all events, it is but natural that they should be pretty frequently in each other’s society, and that my son should have an opportunity of inspiring her with good will towards him, if not a still warmer feeling.  The matter being now understood, of course, that is and will be his exclusive privilege.”

“Your observations, my dear madam, are but reasonable and natural,” replied Goodwin.  “Why, indeed, should it be otherwise, considering their contemplated relation to each other?  Of course, we shall be delighted to see him here as often as he chooses to come, and so, I am sure, will Alice.”