"If the girl comes again, turn her over to me."
"Very well, my dear. I shall be glad to do so. It will relieve me from embarrassment."
"I shall feel no embarrassment. I shall rather enjoy it."
"By the way, Luella, how are you getting on with young Lindsay?"
Luella flushed a little, and a softer light shone in her eyes. She had very little heart, but such as she had was given to Alfred Lindsay. At first attracted by his wealth and social position—for on his mother's side he belonged to one of the Knickerbocker families—she had ended by really falling in love with him. In his company she appeared at her best. Her amiable and attractive manners were not wholly assumed, for the potent spell of love softened her and transformed her from a hard, cynical, selfish girl to a woman seeking to charm one who had touched her heart.
"He comes to see me very often, papa," she answered, coyly.
"And he seems impressed?"
"I think so," said Luella, lowering her eyes, while a gratified smile lighted up her face.
"He has never actually proposed?" asked Ferguson eagerly.
"Well, not exactly, but from his manner I think he will soon."