His response was a fervent "Amen," and sitting down upon a sofa, he drew her to a seat by his side.
"I have come to you for help and advice in a new difficulty, papa," she said. "I fear I have made a sad mistake in allowing Mr. Embury's visits here; and yet—I cannot exclude from my house gentlemen visitors of unexceptionable character."
"No; and he appears to be all that, and more—a sincere, earnest Christian. But what is it that you regret or fear? Elsie is engaged, Violet very young, and for Isa—supposing there were any such prospect—it would be a most suitable match."
"But Molly?"
"Molly!" he exclaimed with a start. "Poor child! she could never think of marriage!"
"No, papa, but hearts don't reason and love comes unbidden."
"And you think she cares for him?"
"It would not be strange if she should; he is a very agreeable man, and—Did you notice them last night? I thought his actions decidedly loverlike, and there was something in her face that made me tremble for the poor child's future peace of mind."
"Poor child!" he echoed; "poor, poor child! I am glad you called my attention to it. I must give Embury a hint: he cannot, of course, be thinking what he is about: for I am sure he is not the heartless wretch he would be if he could wreck her happiness intentionally."
"Thank you, dear papa. You will know exactly how to do it without the least compromise of the dear girl's womanly pride and delicacy of feeling, or offending or hurting him.