“Perhaps you are right,” murmured Florence.  “I will weigh carefully what you have said.”

And she did so.  Much to the disappointment of Mr. Leland, he received a reply from Florence asking a short time for reflection.

When Florence next met the young man, there was, as a natural consequence, some slight embarrassment on both sides.  On separating, Florence experienced a certain unfavourable impression toward him, although she could not trace it to any thing he had said or done.  At their next meeting, Leland’s reserve had disappeared, and he exhibited a better flow of spirits.  He was more off his guard than usual, and said a good many things that rather surprised Florence.

Impatient of delay, Leland again pressed his suit; but Florence was further than ever from being ready to give an answer.  She was not prepared to reject him, and as little prepared to give a favourable answer.  Her request to be allowed further time for consideration, wounded his pride; and, acting under its influence, he determined to have his revenge on her by suing for the hand of another maiden, and bearing her to the altar while she was hesitating over the offer he had made.  With this purpose in view, he penned a kind and polite note, approving her deliberation, and desiring her to take the fullest time for reflection.  “Marriage,” said he, in this note, “is too serious a matter to be decided upon hastily.  It is a life-union, and the parties who make it should be well satisfied that there exists a mutual fitness for each other.”

Two days passed after Florence received this note before seeing her friend Carlotti.  She then called upon her in order to have further conversation on the subject of the proposal she had received.  The tenor of this note had produced a favourable change in her feelings, and she felt strongly disposed to make a speedy termination of the debate in her mind by accepting her attractive suitor.

“Are you not well?” was her first remark on seeing Carlotti, for her friend looked pale and troubled.

“Not very well, dear,” replied Carlotti, making an effort to assume a cheerful aspect.

The mind of Florence was too intent on the one interesting subject that occupied it to linger long on any other theme.  But a short time elapsed before she said, with a warmer glow on her cheeks—­

“I believe I have made up my mind, Carlotti.”

“About what?”

“The offer of Mr. Leland.”

“Well, what is your decision?” Carlotti held her breath for an answer.

“I will accept him.”

Without replying, Carlotti arose, and going to a drawer, took therefrom a letter addressed to herself and handing it to Florence, said—­

“Read that.”

There was something ominous in the manner of Carlotti, which caused Florence to become agitated.  Her hands trembled as she unfolded the letter.  It bore the date of the day previous, and read thus:—­