“Why, Mark,” he exclaimed, with a chuckle, “you have more discrimination and taste than I gave you credit for. In this matter you judge justly, and with a very clear perception of the truth. I say, that when she comes before you, her face greets you like a burst of sunshine, it is radiant with a galaxy of glories, for it is cheerful, amiable, placid, gentle, good, generous, patient, unselfish—everything, in fact, that is estimable, and can make the female face divine.”
“Everything?” echoed Mark, emphatically.
“Everything?” repeated Flora, reflectively.
“Yes; every one of those beautiful qualities I have named beam in her fascinatingly expressive face!” exclaimed Wilton.
“And in her clear, earnest eyes?” said Mark.
“And in her eyes!” echoed his father.
“And in her smile!” suggested Flora.
“And in her smile,” repeated Wilton, slightly elevating his voice.
“Aha!” chuckled Mark—“Aha! aha!”
He was on the eve of making a great disclosure, but he restrained himself. He, however, rubbed his hands briskly with intense gratification; while Mr. Wilton felt his resolution to carry out his cherished and secretly formed design considerably strengthened by the very apparent good feeling entertained by his children towards the object of his hidden purpose.