father was by no means to blame for not giving a daughter, like Mimili, in marriage to the first stroller that presented himself—to one with whom he had been acquainted scarcely twice twenty-four hours, and of whom he knew nothing but that his proposed son-in-law had an excellent appetite and a good income. The old man had dealings with commercial houses at Berne, and these corresponded with others in my country: it was therefore possible that he wished to make farther inquiries concerning me; and knowing, as I did, that the result would not be to my disadvantage, I could not blame him for this precaution.
“It is hard,” replied I, frankly and honestly, after a short struggle with myself; “it is hard to quit Mimili till I have received her plighted troth; but such is your pleasure. A good son ought always to obey a good father. Let a hundred suitors solicit the maiden’s hand,—if Mimili loves me as dearly—no, that she never can—if she loves me but half as dearly as I love her, I need not be afraid of the result. Here are my hand and my word, that I will not seek to obtain any formal promise from her behind your your back; but you must assure me, on your part, that you will not give her to another till I have seen her again. If God grants me life, I will be with you again in a year; then Mimili may decide in your presence and your
