Hester entered; but she found Mr. Godfrey so busy unfolding the newspaper that he did not perceive her entrance. She passed behind him ere he was aware, and impressed a kiss on his forehead; it was her usual morning's greeting.
"Ha! Hester, so you're up at last. I have a letter on your account."
"A letter for me?"
"No! yet one that you must answer; the great philosopher of the day is smitten with the charms of the fair vestal; he asked me ere we left Yorkshire if her heart was free."
"And what did you answer him?"
"That I did not know, but would enquire; this letter is a sort of reproachful remonstrance for not having fulfilled my promise."
Hester smiled, and Adelaide enquired who the gentleman was.
"A man," said Hester, "who thinks we have evolved into human beings from worms or bats or lower creatures still. By-the-by, father, he never told us why so many lower creatures remain unevolved."
"You piece of mischief, be serious; what answer shall I give him?"
"That I don't like his pedigree: I am looking higher than worms for my forefathers."