“I was sent to you by Mr. Legare, who has a wealthy, widowed sister-in-law, a Mrs. Louisa Emory, residing in a neighboring city, who is childless and lonely. She is a lady in every sense, of a sweet and loving disposition, and a companion like yourself would be a treasure to her. If you will consent, Mr. Legare, who, like myself, is truly and sincerely your friend, and deeply interested in your welfare, will propose to her that she adopt you as a daughter—to receive all a daughter’s love and privileges.”
Hattie looked at Mr. W—— with astonishment. The thought of being adopted as a daughter by a lady of wealth whom she had never seen, and who had never seen her, was so strange. And it was just like the stupidity of mankind to go to work that way about it.
“You can think of it leisurely, Miss Hattie, and give me your answer in writing, if you like,” continued Mr. W——.
“I will give you an answer before you leave, Mr. W——,” said Hattie, quietly. “But before I do so I would ask your opinion about this affair?”
“Really, Miss Hattie, I consider it one of the most brilliant chances of your young life. You are too well educated, too talented, and, believe me, I say it not in flattery, too beautiful, to drudge your life away in a book-bindery, when you can ornament the highest circles of society. If you ask it as advice, I would say accept this proposition, for it would not have been made by Mr. Legare without he knew it would prove a happiness to his often sad-hearted sister-in-law. She is now visiting at his house, and to-morrow an interview between you would soon show how you would like her.”
“She might not like me,” said Hattie, with a smile.
“How could she help it?” said Mr. W——, impulsively.
“There will be no need for her to try,” said Hattie, gently but firmly. “Gratefully, but positively, I must decline the tempting offer. I am content, Mr. W——, to continue in my present condition in your bindery. Miss Scrimp here makes it as pleasant as possible for her boarders, and in receiving your visit to-night has broken over one of her strictest rules—never to permit the visits of gentlemen to the house.”
“For which I thank her in sincerity,” said Mr. W——, bowing gracefully to the old maid.
“Is your decision final? Must I take that answer back to Mr. Legare?” he continued, addressing Hattie, and not noticing the simpering smile with which Miss Scrimp received his thanks.