"That cannot be, I believe. Mrs. Stevens says it would be disreputable. I am no proficient in etiquette, and must, therefore, in affairs of this kind, be guided by those who are. But would to heaven I were truly her father or brother! Then all difficulties would be done away."
"Can you seriously wish that?"
"Why, no. I believe it would be more rational to wish that the world would suffer me to act the fatherly or brotherly part, without the relationship."
"And is that the only part you wish to act towards this girl?"
"Certainly, the only part."
"You surprise me. Have you not confessed your love for her?"
"I do love her. There is nothing upon earth more dear to me than my Bess."
"But love is of different kinds. She was loved by her father——"
"Less than by me. He was a good man, but not of lively feelings. Besides, he had another daughter, and they shared his love between them; but she has no sister to share my love. Calamity, too, has endeared her to me; I am all her consolation, dependence, and hope, and nothing, surely, can induce me to abandon her."
"Her reliance upon you for happiness," replied my friend, with a sigh, "is plain enough."