"Uncle," said Susan, "do you wish to have those letters taken to the post-office?"
"Yes, dear."
"Let me take them for you."
She received the letters from his willing hand, and left him alone with her mother.
"Your husband," said he to Mrs. Clifton, "has spoken to you of the proposition I made to him respecting my niece?"
"He has not," said Mrs. Clifton.
"I requested him to consult you. I proposed to take her home with me, and give her the very first advantages for education that the city can afford."
"You are very generous. But what did Henry say to it?"
"He does not like the idea of parting with her; but, as I understand it, he holds the matter under advisement till he has consulted you. I hope you will not hesitate to give your consent, and to use your influence with my brother, in case it should be necessary."
"I should be sorry to withhold my consent from anything which may be for the good of my child. So generous an offer should not be declined without due consideration. At the same time, I must frankly say that I do not think it at all probable that I can bring myself to consent to your proposal."