"Yes, sir; I have a private fortune of my own."
"And your mother?"
"I have not told her yet, sir; but she is coming to call upon you immediately, and then I shall do so. I have no doubt what her answer will be; although, whatever it be, I am a man in years and my own master, and——"
"Nay, lad, a man's never wholly his own master in the presence of a good mother, and I'd have no child of mine coldly welcomed into any family. We shall see what your mother says. If she be content, I shall be very glad. You have no other tie?"
Emily lifted her head and looked at Revere as this question was put. There were tears in her eyes and her heart almost ceased beating. She was sure of the answer, yet she longed to hear his specific reply.
"No, sir," answered the young man, boldly.
"Oh, Richard!" exclaimed Emily; "and Josephine!"
"Josephine!" said the old man; "who is she?"
"A connection of my family, sir, who has just announced to me her engagement to an estimable young man of our acquaintance."
"Richard," said Emily, springing to her feet, "you don't mean it?"