"'Who to?' says I, though, of course, I knew, and Esther told me as much. 'When do you expect to marry?' I asked.
"'When John grows rich enough,' says she.
"'When will that be?'
"'It may not be for years,' said poor Esther.
"A whole year passed, and, as far as I could see, the young man came no nearer to his fortune. He was forever running to and fro between this place and Boston. I asked no questions, because I knew that my poor girl wished it so. But at last, one day, I began to think it was time to take an observation, and see whereabouts we stood.
"'Has John made his fortune yet?' I asked.
"'I don't know, father,' said Esther.
"'When are you to be married?'
"'Never!' said my poor little girl, and burst into 'tears. 'Please ask me no questions,' said she. 'Our engagement is over. Ask me no questions.'
"'Tell me one thing,' said I: 'where is that d—d scoundrel who has broken my daughter's heart?'