On the next day, invitations were received by the family to attend a party that was to be given by a physician who was much esteemed in the community for his character, standing, and high professional attainments. Doctor Baldwin, who happened to be one of his intimate personal friends, immediately called upon him, and asked if he had included Doctor Hudson and his lady in the number of his guests.
"I have not," he said. "Our families have never met under any circumstances. But I highly esteem the doctor, and shall be happy to send him and his lady an invitation. Do you know his lady?"
"Very well. She is a beautiful and accomplished woman."
Doctor Baldwin then gave this physician a full history of Dr. Hudson's family, and of the fact of his having been so charmed with Ella as to fall in love with her and make her an offer of his hand.
"I hardly think your mother will approve of that," said the physician.
"No," replied Baldwin. "So far from approving, she is incensed beyond measure, calls her a low-born creature, and says she shall never cross her door."
"Then I should say that you are in rather an unpleasant dilemma."
"I am. And I want you to help me out of it, if possible."
"A thing that I shall be very ready to do, if you will point out the way. I have seen this Miss Hudson several times in families where I visit professionally, and have heard her spoken of as a girl of no ordinary character. You wish her invited, of course?"
"Yes, that is what I was coming to. I want her not only invited, but I want you to show her particular, even marked attentions."