"No; he asked my aunt to do so, and she refused; and so I—I thought I would write to you without mentioning the matter to her."
"You have done me an incalculable service," I remarked, "and in return I will tell you something."
"What is that?" she asked.
"From to-night I shall not be alone in the house."
"Oh! how thankful I am!" she exclaimed; then instantly added, "Here is my aunt."
I rose as Miss Blake entered, and bowed.
"Oh! it is you, is it?" said the lady. "The girl told me some one was waiting."
Hot and swift ran the colour to my adored one's cheeks.
"Aunt," she observed, "I think you forget this gentleman comes from Mr. Craven."
"Oh, no! my dear, I don't forget Mr. Craven, or his clerks either," responded Miss Blake, as, still cloaked and bonneted, she tore open Mr. Craven's envelope.