"Mamma will consent after a while," answered the gentle girl.
"After a while! Why not now? I am going away next month for a long time. I cannot leave you, May. Would you wish me to?"
May turned pale at the thought, and raised her pleading eyes to her mother.
It was enough. Doctor Wadsworth had used the surest weapon. A separation was dreaded by both mother and daughter, and each for different reasons. And then it was an easier thing for Harry Bennett to obtain the mother's consent, to claim his love at the same time.
Mrs. Brownson, after giving her consent, requested a private interview with her prospective sons-in-law. The girls were sent from the room, and then Mrs. Brownson said:
"I have thought possibly, gentlemen, that a very foolish rumor may have reached your ears respecting the wealth possessed by my daughters, and that—excuse me, but I must allude to it—this may in a measure have influenced your selecting them from the many young girls here—"
"Oh, madam!" both men exclaimed simultaneously.
"If I tell you they have nothing but their pure hearts and loving natures, will you not be disappointed?"
"No, madam. How can you judge me so?" exclaimed both.
"I am glad it is so. I would not have you marry my daughters under false impressions."