"I like that very much, Mr. Ralph," said Redbud, smiling.
"You'd like the writer much more, Miss Redbud," said the young man; "really one of the finest fellows that I ever knew. I want him to pay me a visit—I have no other friend like Alfred."
"Oh, Alfred's his name, is it!" cried Fanny; "what's the rest? I'll set my cap at him."
"Alfred Nothing, is his name," said Ralph, facetiously; "and I approve of your course. You would be Mrs. Nobody, you know; but listen—here is the enthusiastic:
"MY DEAR ASHLEY:
"You are destined for great things—it is yours to scale the heights of song, and snatch the crown from Ossa's lofty brow. Fulfil your destiny, and make your country happy!"
"—— ——."
"Oh, yes!" said Fanny; "why don't you!"
"I will!"
"Very likely!"