"And he did not respond?"
"Oh, yes; indeed he did. He replied very promptly, writing that he had a situation in view for me which would be better suited to my needs than any I had ever filled, and that he should come to Baltimore to explain and consult with me."
"Well?"
"The next day, dear, he came, and—I hate to betray his confidence and tell you."
"Then do not, I beg you."
"But—I hate more to keep a secret from you. In short, he asked me to marry him."
"What!" exclaimed Cora, in surprise and incredulity.
"Yes, my love; that was what he had to explain. The position of his wife was the situation he had to offer me, and which he thought would suit me better than any other I had ever filled."
"When was this proposal made?"
"About five months ago, and about seven months after the death of my dear husband. He said that he would be willing to wait until the year of mourning should be over."