“‘Lottie, Mr. Rockland is really a good man, and I respect him very much—mainly because he loves you.’
“‘Indeed he is! and my heart was most broken when he ordered me to go away; but did you wish to have our engagement broken off?’
“‘No, you know I did not! What could have put such an idea as that into your mind? Mr. Rockland did not tell you I wished it ended, did he?’
“‘He didn’t say that you said so, but he said you were willing to cancel it if I would consent to it.’
“‘Ah, I see now how it is: Mr. Rockland put the case very strong in favor of his side. That was a good stroke of policy, you see, Lottie; you didn’t believe for a moment that I wanted to have the engagement canceled?’
“‘No, I did not.’
“‘I declare, Lottie, I never saw you look so pretty before.’
“‘I am truly glad that you think so; it makes me very happy to please you.’
“‘Ah! how could I be otherwise than well pleased when I know Lottie loves me? I feel like a new man since I found it out. Will my Lottie always love me?’
“‘Yes, of course I will; I am so very, very happy when you are with me, and so miserable when you are away from me. What shall become of poor me when my Eddie goes away to Philadelphia?’