"The daughter of Mr. Gerald Leslie, of New Orleans."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Mortimer.

"Yes. But you seem surprised."

"I am a little," replied the young man, thoughtfully; "I did not know Leslie had a daughter."

"But you see he has, since she is an intimate friend of Adelaide's."

"How did they become acquainted?"

"They were educated at the same school."

"Indeed. She is a very lovely girl, and you must be good enough to introduce us to her, by-and-by."

"Take care, Mortimer," said his aunt; "you are surely not going to fall in love with Miss Leslie."

"Not the least danger, my dear aunt. Though I would not say as much for poor Gilbert here."