That seemed to give her power to speak, and her words came in a confused torrent.

'I don't know-I've been thinking-I like you very much-but I am not good enough-and I don't know what mamma would say.'

Somehow this vague answer seemed to satisfy Sir Stephen, and Aimée found herself cut short in a way which confused her more than

ever.

'Indeed-indeed I am not good enough, I am so young and foolish,' she said, as soon as he paused in his expressions of happiness.

We will write and ask Mrs. Barlow's opinion,' he answered, smiling; I think she will not be hardhearted. You really do care, my darling, for a stupid old man like me?'

'Oh, yes. Why do you ask? You know it, Aimée answered, almost inaudibly.

'May I come in? it is long past

dressing-time,' said Mrs. Harewood, entering the room.

'Please,' Sir Stephen answered, in a much more cheerful tone than when he had last spoken to her. 'I wanted to see you, to say, that if you will allow me to stay here, I shall let my affairs at home take care of themselves to-morrow.'

Mr. and Mrs. Barlow were delighted that their daughter should marry such an excellently good man; which really did seem to them more important than his houses and lands, or even the country living, which Mr. Barlow's failing health made him thankfully accept.

As to Sir Stephen and Aimée, I think we have seen enough of them, in these few days, to prophesy with safety, that, like people in fairy tales, they will live happily ever afterwards.