For half an hour Mrs. Baldwin conversed with her future daughter-in-law on many subjects, and found her quite as interesting in reality as she was in appearance; and when some one claimed her hand for the dance, she let her go with reluctance. By this time there were a good many in the room who knew that Ella was engaged to be married to Doctor Baldwin, for the information volunteered by Doctor B— had spread with considerable rapidity.
"I really must congratulate you on your future daughter-in-law," said a gentleman to Mrs. Baldwin, whose standing in society was altogether as high as her own. "She is decidedly the most charming girl in the room. Edward has shown uncommon good taste and good sense. There are not a few who would have been fools enough to pass her by because she had once taught music, but Edward's independence has stamped him, in my estimation, as a man. May both be as happy as they deserve to be."
Some one touched the speaker on the arm, and he turned away without observing the blank look of astonishment that settled upon the face of her he addressed.
"What does he mean, Clara?" asked the mother, in a low, earnest whisper, turning to her daughter with a bewildered air.
"He means," replied the daughter, calmly, "that this lovely young girl, with whom every one is so charmed, is none other than Ella Hudson, and the betrothed of Edward."
"It cannot be!" returned the mother.
"It can be, and is, mother. And as the fact seems to be well-known in the room—it has just been alluded to as a matter of course—I think it will be much the wiser course if you show no surprise and no disapprobation at the discovery you have made, but rather resolve to receive this sweet, accomplished, lovely-minded young girl into your affections, as you would receive your own child. That she is worthy thus to be received, even you cannot now for an instant doubt."
"No, Ella, I cannot doubt it," returned the mother, after a pause of some moments for hurried reflection. "I did not dream that the humble music teacher and daughter of a poor watchmaker could be so love-inspiring a creature as this. That Edward was attracted by her is no longer a matter of surprise. I forgive him from my heart."
Not many minutes passed before Clara had found out her brother, and communicated the entire success of his plan for breaking down their mother's prejudice. He was the happiest man in the room.