been generous enough to approve my suit."

Professor Archimedes Q. Porter fidgeted in
his armchair. The subject always made him un-
comfortable. He could not understand why.
Carder was a splendid match.

"But Jane," continued Canler, "I cannot un-
derstand her. She puts me off first on one
ground and then another. I have always the
feeling that she breathes a sigh of relief every
time I bid her good-by."

"Tut--tut," said Professor Porter. "Tut--
tut, Mr. Canler. Jane is a most obedient daugh-
ter. She will do precisely as I tell her."

"Then I can still count on your support?"
asked Canler, a tone of relief marking his voice.

"Certainly, sir; certainly, sir," exclaimed Pro-
fessor Porter. "How could you doubt it?"

"There is young Clayton, you know," sug-
gested Canler. "He has been hanging about for
months.

"I don't know that Jane cares for him; but
beside his title they say he has inherited a very
considerable state from his father, and it might
not be strange,--if he finally won her, unless-- "
and Canler paused.

"Tut--tut, Mr. Canler; unless--what?"

"Unless, you see fit to request that Jane and
I be married at once," said Carder, slowly and
distinctly.

"I have already suggested to Jane that it would
be desirable," said Professor Porter sadly, "for

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