"Will you go with me to see her, Clara?" asked Baldwin.
"Why should I do so?" she replied.
"Have I not said?"
"Surely, brother, you do not mean what, you say."
"I surely do, Clara. Already there exists a marriage contract between this charming woman and myself. Ere long she will hold to you the relationship of sister. Know her, then, that you may love her as a sister. Know her for yourself, that you may rightly appreciate her worth, and aid me in introducing her to our mother's regard."
Clara was too much surprised, and, in fact, confounded, to know what to do or think. As to calling upon Ella, she was not yet prepared for that. She wanted time for reflection. Her natural repugnance to doing so was very strong.
As soon as Doctor Baldwin and his sister had retired, the young lady upon whom they had called to make a morning visit, went into the back parlor and said to Ella, who was still bending over the book—
"I'm ready for my lesson now, Miss Hudson."
Ella laid aside her bonnet, and went to the piano with her pupil.
"You are acquainted with Dr. Baldwin," said the latter.