"I haven't, but there is one lady I should like to marry. I may as well come out with it, Rupert. Do you think your mother would marry me? But—I see you look surprised. I suppose I am a great fool."
"You mistake me, Mr. Packard. I am surprised, for the idea never entered my head before."
"I suppose you wouldn't like the idea," said Giles Packard nervously.
"On the contrary, I approve it. Of course I don't know how mother may look upon it."
"But you don't object to it?"
"No, Mr. Packard, I wish you success."
Mrs. Rollins was surprised to receive an offer of marriage from Mr. Packard, but she had learned to know his many good qualities and was grateful to him for his kindness to Rupert, and after a brief time for consideration she gave her consent.
There was little change in their way of living, but of course there was an end of pecuniary cares and anxiety for the future.
Mr. Packard decided to go into business in New York on his own account. Rupert is his confidential clerk, and has a handsome salary. Mr. Packard's natural shrewdness has made his venture a success from the start He sold out his Colorado cattle ranch on very favorable terms to two parties from the East, and now his time is exclusively employed in his New York business.
Some time since the Evening World contained the following announcement: