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78 with respect to you; and as the consequence of all this begins to be discernible in a certain, just perceptible, and quite harmless thinness, so to speak, of the cheek; but a very conspicuous and dangerous febrileness of the eye; therefore, I choose the lesser of two evils; and now you have my permission to be married, as soon as the thing can be done with propriety. I dare say you have no objection to have the wedding take place before Christmas, the present month being the first of summer.'

Pierre said nothing; but leaping to his feet, threw his two arms around his mother, and kissed her repeatedly.

'A most sweet and eloquent answer, Pierre; but sit down again. I desire now to say a little concerning less attractive, but quite necessary things connected with this affair. You know, that by your father's will, these lands and——'

'Miss Lucy, my mistress,' said Dates, throwing open the door.

Pierre sprang to his feet; but as if suddenly mindful of his mother's presence, composed himself again, though he still approached the door.

Lucy entered, carrying a little basket of strawberries.

'Why, how do you do, my dear,' said Mrs. Glendinning affectionately. 'This is an unexpected pleasure.'

'Yes; and I suppose that Pierre here is a little surprised too; seeing that he was to call upon me this evening, and not I upon him before sundown. But I took a sudden fancy for a solitary stroll,—the afternoon was such a delicious one; and chancing—it was only chancing—to pass through the Locust Lane leading hither, I met the strangest little fellow, with this basket in his hand.—"Yes, buy them, miss," said he. "And how do you know I want to buy them?" returned I, "I don't want to buy them."—"Yes, you do, miss; they ought to be twenty-six cents, but I'll take thirteen