'That is just what I want you to do,' exclaimed Isaac. 'I want you to ask her for me.'
'Excuse me, my dear fellow; but it is rather a delicate subject for me—her brother—to put before her'——
'So much the better,' interrupted Isaac. 'It will come better from you, and with more weight than from me.'
'But people would say directly that I had somehow caused you to do it.'
'People need not know anything at all about it,' answered Isaac.
'But you have known her such a little while,' urged Herbert; 'and you may not fully have made up your mind; or you may alter it.'
'No, no!' returned Isaac decidedly. 'I have made up my mind enough, and I would rather you ask her than me. I should not know quite what to say.'
'You would know quite as well as I. However, anything for the dear girl's happiness; and since you will have it so, I will do it. But when would you like me to ask her?'
'Oh, as soon as you can,' said the amorous Isaac.
'Very well. Then if there's a chance to-morrow, I will see about it, and will let you know the result.'