"It will come with the dessert," I thought.

Rose looked at me, and I avoided meeting her eyes. As I had expected,
the dessert over, my uncle lit his pipe, raised his head, and then--

"Rose--come here!"

Rose went to him.

"Do you know what that fellow there asked me to do, yesterday?"

I trembled like a leaf, and Rose did the same.

[Illustration: "DO YOU LOVE HIM?"]

"To give him your hand," he added. "Do you love him?"

Rose cast down her eyes.

"Very well," continued my uncle; "on this side, the case is complete.
Come here, you."

I approached him.

"Here I am, uncle," and, in a whisper. I added quickly: "Forgive me!"

He burst into a hearty laugh.

"Marry her, then, donkey--since you love her, and I give her to you!"