Mrs. Mason replied that she would, and the Professor opened the parlor door and stepped in.

“Oh, good morning, Miss Mason,” said the Professor; “I hope I see you enjoying your usual good health after last evening’s excitement.”

Huldy arose and shook hands with the Professor.

“Oh, yes,” said she, “I got up a little late this morning, but I never felt better in my life.  It was very kind of you, Mr. Strout, and of my other friends, to show your appreciation in such a pleasant manner, and I shall never forget your kindness.”

“Waal, you know, I’ve always taken a great interest in you, Miss Mason.”

“I know you have in my singing,” answered Huldy, “and I know that I have improved a great deal since you have been giving me lessons.”

“But I don’t refer wholly to your singin’,” said the Professor.

“Oh, you mean my playing,” remarked Huldy.  “Well, I don’t know that I shall ever be a brilliant performer on the piano, but I must acknowledge that you have been the cause of my improving in that respect also.”

“Waal, I don’t mean,” continued the Professor, “jest your singin’ and your playin’.  I’ve been interested in you as a whole.”

“I don’t exactly see what you mean by that, Mr. Strout, unless you mean my ability as a housekeeper.  I am afraid if you ask my mother, she will not give me a very flattering recommendation.”

“Oh, you know enough about housekeepin’ to satisfy me,” said the Professor.

Huldy by this time divined what was on the Professor’s mind; in fact, she had known it for some time, but had assured herself that he would never have the courage to put his hints, and suggestions, and allusions, into an actual declaration.  So she replied with some asperity, “What made you think I was looking for a situation as housekeeper?”

“Oh, nothin’,” said he, “I wasn’t thinkin’ anythin’ about what I thought you thought, but I was a-thinkin’ about somethin’ that I thought myself.”

Huldy looked up inquiringly.

“What would you say,” asked the Professor, “if I told you that I thought of gettin’ married?”

“Well,” replied Huldy, “I think my first question would be, ’have you asked her?’”

“No, I haven’t yet,” said the Professor.

“Well, then, my advice to you,” continued Huldy, “is don’t delay; if you do perhaps some other fellow may ask her first, and she may consent, not knowing that you think so much of her.”

“Well, I’ve thought of that,” said the Professor.  “I guess you’re right.  What would you say,” continued he, “if I told you that I had asked her?”

“Well, I should say,” answered Huldy, “that you told me only a minute or two ago that you hadn’t.”

“Well, I hadn’t then,” said the Professor.

“I don’t really see how you have had any chance to ask her, as you say you have,” remarked Huldy, “in the short time that has passed since you said you hadn’t.  I am not very quick at seeing a joke, Professor, but p’raps I can understand what you mean, if you will tell me when you asked her, and where you asked her to marry you.”