"Pardon an old man's curiosity, my child," said he, dropping at once into the relationship Della had chosen for them; "but may I ask if a younger suitor influences you in this matter?"
Della blushed very deeply, but answered, frankly, through her tears, in the affirmative.
"You are sure you have chosen one worthy of such a heart as yours?"
"I think so, most truly."
"And his circumstances and station befit your own?"
"In point of wealth and station he is undoubtedly beneath me; but in nature, in heart, I am certain he is all I could wish."
"And, knowing this, how could your father sanction my suit?"
"He knew nothing of these circumstances, sir. I have, from necessity, kept it a secret from him. May I trust you to do the same?"
"You may, indeed. I would not sanction duplicity between father and child; but neither would I have you sacrifice your happiness to a father's pride. In early youth, had she, who won my first affections, been as true to me, through such a test, as you have been to him you love through this, I would, probably, have never occupied the
position of an old and disappointed suitor before you here."