Then there flashed across Ernest's mind his cousin Richard's warning against mentioning Mr. Easton to his aunt. Of course, the time for silence on this point had now passed,—and he continued:
"Yes; perhaps I may not have mentioned Mr. Easton's name before; but I didn't know that you would recall it. You've heard me speak of him, of course, the president of the Wampum and Etna, whom I met on the Altruria. He's as good as his word, and though I haven't heard from him for two years, here's this letter offering me the very chance he said he would give me—all on account of my father, I suppose. They must have been greater friends than I thought,"—looking questioningly toward Miss Theodora.
"Yes, they were great friends," answered she, "and I knew him very well too, but I would almost rather not have you accept his offer."
"Just because I shall have to go so far away, I suppose. Now, what else would you have me do?"
"Surely there are other chances in Boston. You can find something to do here."
"If I could, I wouldn't," replied the young man. "Now, what would be the sense in staying here? Of course, I could get something to do, there's no doubt of that; but it would be wicked to refuse an offer like this."
"Why not begin here and gradually work up? We don't need so very much money, Ernest—"
"Oh, Aunt Teddy, I do. What would you say if I told you I thought of getting married?"
"You—you—get married!" and Miss Theodora actually blushed. Then recollecting herself, "I am delighted," she said. "Kate is a dear girl. Not a bit like her mother."