"What reason have you to think so?" inquired her friend.
"He wants very much to come here," replied the young lady; "but he is extremely modest. He says he knows he is not suitable company for such a rich, educated lady as you are. He is taking dancing-lessons, and lessons on the piano, and he is studying French and Italian and history, and all sorts of things. And he says he means to make a mint of money, and then perhaps he can come here sometimes to see me dance, and hear me play on the piano."
"I by no means require that all my acquaintance should make a mint of money," answered Mrs. Delano. "I am very much pleased with the account you give of this young Blumenthal. When you next see him, give him my compliments, and tell him I should be happy to become acquainted with him."
Flora dropped on her knees and hid her face in her friend's lap. She didn't express her thanks in words, but she cried a little.
"This is more serious than I supposed," thought Mrs. Delano.
A fortnight afterward, she obtained an interview with Mr. Goldwin, and asked, "What is your estimate of that young Mr. Blumenthal, who has been for some time in your employ?"
"He is a modest young man, of good habits," answered the merchant; "and of more than common business capacity."
"Would you be willing to receive him as a partner?" she inquired.
"The young man is poor," rejoined Mr. Goldwin; "and we have many applications from those who can advance some capital."
"If a friend would loan him ten thousand dollars for twenty years, and leave it to him by will in case she should die meanwhile, would that be sufficient to induce you?" said the lady.