THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 345 
bly taxed by the amount withdrawn; but I am 
now about to ask you for a gift which I am sure 
no money could purchase from your hands. I 
am presumptuous to ask so much in return for 
the poor favors which I have bestowed, but I 
ask—Alice at your hands. I have told her that 
I love her, and should solicit your sanction to 
my proposal. Fearing that she might do from 
gratitude what I only seek from love, I have not 
pressed her for an answer, and do not wish one 
until she has time to reflect and counsel with 
you and her own heart.” 
While this conversation was going on Alice 
lay on her mother’s bosom with her face con¬ 
cealed, but the trembling frame and flowing 
tears showed her deep emotion. 
After a considerable pause, during which 
mother and daughter were enfolded in a closer 
embrace, Mrs. Farley said, 
Mr. Davidson, this matter is so wholly un¬ 
expected and sudden, and involves so deeply 
not only the future happiness of as dear a child 
as ever blest a parent’s heart, but the very exist¬ 
ence and life of our household, that you must 
not be surprised if there is some hesitation 
in replying to your request. After what has 
