“Captain Asher,” he said, “I have now told you what I thought you should know, and I must take my departure.  I would not presume for a moment to offer you any advice in regard to your family affairs, but there is one thing Mrs. Easterfield and I will interfere with, if we can, for we feel that we have a right to do it, and that is any definite and immediate engagement of your niece.  If she should promise herself in marriage at our house we shall feel that we are responsible for it, and that, in fact, we brought it about.  Whether the match shall seem desirable to you or not, we do not wish to be answerable for it.”

“Oh, I need not be counted in at all,” said the captain, who had recovered his composure.  “It is her own affair.  I suppose it was the news of her father’s intended marriage that put her in such a hurry.”

“You are right,” said Mr. Easterfield.

“Just like her” the captain exclaimed.  “And I don’t blame her.  I’m with her there”

When Mr. Tom reached Broadstone he dismounted at the stable, and walked to the house.  Nobody was to be seen on the grounds.  It was a warm afternoon when those whose hearts were undisturbed by the turmoils of love were apt to be napping, and those who were in the tumultuous state of mind referred to, preferred to separate themselves from each other and the rest of the world until the cause of their inquietude should consider the heat of the summer day as sufficiently mitigated for her to appear again among her fellow beings.

Mr. Easterfield did not care to meet any of his guests, and hoped to find his wife in her room, that he might report, and consult.  But, as he approached the house, he saw at an upper window a female head.  It stayed there just long enough for him to see that it was Olive’s head; then it disappeared.  When he reached the hall door there stood Olive.

Mr. Tom was a little disappointed.  He wanted to see his wife immediately, and then to see Olive.  But he could not say so.

“Well,” said the girl, coming down the steps, “it looks as if we had arranged to meet.  But although we didn’t, let’s take a little walk.  I have something I want to say to you.”

Mr. Easterfield turned, and walked away from the house.  He was a masterful man, and did not like to have his plans interfered with.  Therefore he made a dash, and had the first word.  “Miss Asher,” said he, “I am glad to hear anything you have to say, but first you must really listen to me.”

Olive looked at him with surprise.  She also was a masterful person, and not accustomed to be treated in this way.  But he gave her no chance.

“Miss Asher,” said he, “I have come to you to speak for one of your lovers, the truest, best lover you ever had, and I believe, ever will have.”