But it was quite impossible that she should allow him to accompany her to her poor home on the East Side.

 

“Thank you, Mr. de Brabazon, but my engagements this morning will hardly permit me to accept your escort,” she said.

 

“I suppose that means that you are going shopping; but I don’t mind it, I assure you, and I will carry your bundles,” he added, magnanimously.

 

“That would never do. What! the fashionable Mr. de Brabazon carrying bundles? You would lose your social status.”

 

“I don’t mind, Miss Florence, as long as you give me—aw—an approving smile.”

 

“I will give it now, as I bid you good-morning.”

 

“May I—aw—have the pleasure of calling upon you to-morrow evening, Miss Linden?”

 

“It is evident that you have not heard that I am no longer residing with my uncle.”

 

Mr. de Brabazon looked surprised.

 

“No, I had not heard. May I ask—aw—where you are wesiding?”

 

“With friends,” answered Florence, briefly¹. “As you are a friend and will be likely to hear it, I may as well mention that my uncle is displeased² with me, and has practically disowned me.”

 

“Then, Miss Florence,” said Mr. de Brabazon, eagerly, “won’t you accept—aw—my heart and hand? My mother will be charmed to receive you, and I—aw—will strive to make you happy.”

 

“I appreciate your devotion, I do, indeed, Mr. de Brabazon,” said Florence, earnestly; “but I must decline your offer. I will not marry without love.”

 

“I don’t mind that,” said Percy, “if you’ll agree to take a feller; you’ll learn in time to like him a little. I am wich—I know you don’t care for that—but I can give you as good a home as your uncle. If you would give me hope—aw——”

 

“I am afraid I cannot, Mr. de Brabazon, but if you will allow me to look upon you as a friend, I will call upon you if I have need of a friend’s services.”

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