“Impossible!” said the gratified cherub. “Really I begin to think things are very well as they are. If Mr. John Harmon had lived⁠—”

“He is better dead,” said the Secretary.

“No, I won’t go so far as to say that,” urged the cherub, a little remonstrant against the very decisive and unpitying tone; “but he mightn’t have suited Bella, or Bella mightn’t have suited him, or fifty things, whereas now I hope she can choose for herself.”

“Has she⁠—as you place the confidence in me of speaking on the subject, you will excuse my asking⁠—has she⁠—perhaps⁠—chosen?” faltered the Secretary.

“Oh dear no!” returned R. W.

“Young ladies sometimes,” Rokesmith hinted, “choose without mentioning their choice to their fathers.”