"Well, I thought that in an affair of this kind it would be just as well to get the Governor's concurrence, and so I thought I'd drop a line to him. I've just got the letter written, and I'll put it in the mail this evening."
"You have done right, my boy," said the Senator, paternally. "There are many excellent reasons for getting your father's consent in an affair like this."
"I don't mind reading you what I have written," said Buttons, "if you care about hearing it."
"Oh, if you have no objection, we should like to hear very much," said Dick.
Whereupon Buttons, taking a letter from his pocket, read as follows:
"DEAR FATHER,--I have endeavored to follow out your instructions and be as economical as possible.
"During my tour through Italy, have made the acquaintance of the senior member of the house of Francia, in Cadiz, a gentleman with whom you are acquainted. He was travelling with his two sisters. The younger one is very amiable. As I know you would like to see me settled I have requested her hand in marriage.
"As I wish to be married before my return I thought I would let you know. Of course in allying myself to a member of so wealthy a family I will need to do it in good style. Whatever you can send me will therefore be quite acceptable.
"Please reply immediately on receipt of this, addressing me at Paris as before.
"And very much oblige E. BUTTONS."