“I made my appearance at Mr. Rockland’s residence by five and met Lottie at the front portico.
“‘What induced you to come so early, Edward?”
“‘I wanted to be with you—that is all; but how does it happen that you are dressed so exquisitely this evening? I declare, you have made a complete success of it! You look like an empress prepared to receive a dozen kings as her guests. I never saw you looking so pretty as you do now. What does it mean?’
“‘Read that note, and it will tell you.’
“‘DEAR LOTTIE—Prepare dinner for a dozen distinguished guests. Two senators and their wives are with the Governor, and will dine with us. The Honorable Cyrus Bramlett, a cousin to Viola, has just arrived, and will sojourn with us two weeks.
“‘YOUR PAPA.’
“‘Who is Cyrus Bramlett? I never heard of him before.’
“‘He is a member of Congress from New York, and said to be an orator of wonderful powers. He will object to a marriage between Harry and his cousin.’
“‘Why so?’