Year: 1870

run off with me,-what would be the after
consequences what would her father say
to us? Think you, sir, would any man for
give penniless young man for marrying
his heiress, s,-clandestinely ?"


"Why, of course he would People
always get resigned to what they cannot
help. I know that from experience. 1t
would be the best stroke of fortune that
ever CHANGED you, my boy, just such an op-
portunity as this.


The young man looked down in profound
thought, and after moments hesitation,
said


Well, sir, since you think such a
chance to better my fortunes should not be
neglected, I will try what l can do. In
truth, sir, have q lady in view, and if
once assured of her fathers forgiveness, l
believe l should have little difficulty in per-
suading her to take drive to the minister's
with me. If l can get her consent, sir, will
you use all your influence with him, for he
will be disappointed, fear. He intends
his daughter to marry a rich man; you
know him, personally, sir"


"Ha do I Z? who is he ?"
"He is merchant, that is all can tell
you at present remember that have no
right to betray the lady"


"Your'e right" exclaimed Mr.. Graham.
And can tell you this much: whoever
he is, he ought to be proud of having you
for son-in-law. Just go ahead and win.
I'll help you you shall go off in my car
riage and after it is done, I'll soothe the old
father, and 1 promise that he will take you
into his business before many months are
over else more fool he. Ho no! what
a glorious joke it will be Faith, my boy,
I'd help you, if only for the sake of the fun,
let alone your own"


Had not Mr. Graham been so much
tickled at the idea of the joke he hoped
he would be able to play on some one,-he
must surely have been startled, at the
strange look that flashed from Hal Ches-
ter's eyes. The young man was no dissem-
bler and had his old friend been at all sus-
picious Of the true state of affairs, he must
have betrayed himself.


Dreading lest he should do so, Chester
now bid the merchant adieu, the latter
calling after him" Don't forget to come
to me if you succeed, Iwant to have hand
in the joke. And bark, ye my boy if you
edo the deed in week, I'll pay your tai-
lor's bill"


The young man did not at once return to
his boarding house his thoughts were in
too great tumult to permit him to settle
down anywhere. And no wonder.


Here was an opportunity given him, of
making the girl he loved his Oaon,-and
that too, with her fathers knowledge and
assistance


True, Mr.. Graham did not know that it
was his own daughter of whom Chester
spoke, else, doubtless, his advice would
have been different.


1t was this point upon which all Chester's
doubts were now centered. He was sorely
troubled as to whether it would be honor
able to take advantage of the counsel so un-
Willingly given.


He resolved to leave it all to May Gra-
ham, and he was soon seated at her side.


AS nearly as possible, he related the in
terview between her father and himself,
giving their conversation word for word.


When he had concluded, there was some
moments silence, and then May spoke, the
color coming and going in her fair cheeks.


"Hal, l think we ought to act upon our
fathers advice. 1t may seem an unmaid-
enly thing for me to say it, but can see
our way clear if we use the opportunity he
has so unconsciously offered us. He will
be angry at first, but know him well.
After his burst of astonishment is over, il
you manage well, he will enjoy the joke,
you know he will do, or stand anything for
the sake of good joke, even though it is
at his own expense"


"Then your advice is--?" and Hal Ches-
ter bent loving gaze upon the fair girl