The old General looked astonished at this beginning.
“Very well, what is it?” he asked.
“In regard to your daughter, Virginia, General,” said Murdock, slowly. “I would like your permission to pay my addresses to her. I have long loved your daughter, and I should like to make her my wife.”
“Well, Clement, you know that you have my best wishes. There isn’t a man in the settlement that I would rather give my child to. But, win her consent: that comes first, of course. If she is willing, I shall not object.”
The joy of Murdock plainly showed itself in his face.
“That is all I ask, General,” he said, quickly. “I thought it but right that you should know my intentions first.”
“Well, you have my good will, Clement,” said the old soldier, “and I do not doubt but that you will find favor in the eyes of Virginia. She will be home soon. She has gone for blackberries down the river.”
And as the father spoke the door opened and Virginia entered, followed by the young adventurer, Harvey Winthrop.
“Oh, father, I have had such an escape,” said the maiden, quickly; then she gave an account of her adventure in the forest with the bear.
“Why, sir, I owe you the life of my child!” cried the General, earnestly, when the girl had finished her story. “How may I call your name?”