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66 implied;—she only saw that it would save her from saying anything painful to his feelings, and she felt very certain that her papa would be decided in his answer.

"Oh! yes; I suppose you may speak to him," said she.

"And if I win his consent I may hope for yours?" said the young man eagerly.

"You have not got his consent yet," said she, half seriously, half archly, and she ran out of the room, leaving him in the seventh heaven at the favourable reception she had given to his addresses, while she herself was flattered, amused, and excited, but never dreaming of the possibility of marrying him.

John told his father the result of his interview; indeed he had not made his proposal until Mr. Derrick had both sanctioned and urged it, and the old gentleman went with the lover to the Earl with offers of most liberal settlements, to strengthen his claims to so distinguished an alliance.

They found the Earl in very good humour and by no means unprepared for the overtures they made. Lady Darlington was called into council, and she too looked with favour on a marriage that would secure her poor girl from the poverty she had dreaded for her. She was too young at present, far too young; but if Mr. John Derrick