but in this matter I must act in accordance with my own affection and judgment.  In everything except wealth you are my equal, and I have enough for us both.  Allow me to tell my parents that my happiness rests upon their consent to our marriage; and, should they withhold their consent, I will marry you and abide the consequences, for I am certain they will soon be sensible of their error.”  Being anxious to terminate the interview, I replied,—­

“I must answer you, Mr. Leighton, in the manner which I consider will be best for us both.  Never will I consent to become the wife of any man, and, by so doing, alienate him from his parents.  I have experienced nothing but kindness from all your family, and I cannot take a step which will bring sorrow and disquiet into your heretofore happy home.  Be advised by me and never allude to this subject again.  I can be your friend, but not your wife.  I intend, as soon as circumstances permit, to seek another home.  Remember me as a friend only, and whatever my own feelings may be, I shall at least have the satisfaction of knowing that I have acted wisely and for the best.”

His countenance expressed extreme agitation, as, rising, he said,—­

“You have made me very unhappy, Miss Roscom.  I will remain silent for the present; but go not away from here, as that would destroy my only hope.”

When I entered the house, I heard the excited voices of Mrs. Leighton, Laura, and Georgania in the parlor.  I heard Mrs. Leighton say, as I passed the door of the parlor,—­

“Are you sure, Georgania, that you understood aright?”

“Quite sure, mamma,” she replied; “I plainly heard Willie ask her to become his wife; how I hate her; and the thought of Willie’s loving her almost causes me to hate him.”

“Hush!” exclaimed Mrs. Leighton; “I will investigate this matter myself.”

I hurried up to my room.  I knew there was trouble in store for me, and I felt strong to meet it; for my own conscience acquitted me of any wrong-doing.  After some little time had passed, I heard the footsteps of Mrs. Leighton ascending the stairs; and a moment after she rapped at my door.  I opened the door and invited her to enter, and be seated.  She then seated herself, and sat for some moments in silence.  Her countenance expressed both sorrow and anger, for, up to this time, I believed that Mrs. Leighton had loved me.  I waited for Mrs. Leighton to open the subject, for I well knew what had brought her to my room, and I cared not how soon she made known the object of her visit.  At length she said,—­

“It seems to me, Miss Roscom, that you have rendered a very base return for my kindness.”

As she seemed waiting my reply, I said,—­

“Will you have the goodness, Mrs. Leighton, to explain your words, for I am unable to comprehend their meaning?”

Her voice expressed much displeasure as she answered: 

“I was not aware that my words required any explanation; but, if they do, it shall be given in few words.  How dare you so far forget your own position, and ours, as to entice my son into making a proposal of marriage to one so much his inferior as you must know yourself to be?”