write his consent. That once obtained, I shall make all necessary preparations for the marriage, and as for obtaining my father's consent--leave that to me."
"Oh, but, Jack! if your plan should fail--if your disguise should be seen through," began Molly.
"Leave all to me," said I. "So far I have been successful, for I have not been recognized yet. Fortune seems on my side. You must aid me in every possible way to carry out my plan."
"I will, Jack!" said she.
"Well, then," said I, "you must go home now to your aunt, and say you have met an old friend of yours quite by chance here--a certain Dr. Crow. Say also that I should like to call and make her acquaintance. Meet me again tomorrow in the wood, and invite me to the house. In time, I've no doubt, all will go well." Molly promised to follow my instructions, and we parted. It was then late in the afternoon, so I returned to my inn. There I found a snug little parlour, with a bookcase, so I beguiled the time as well as I could by reading until the clock struck the dinner hour. After a comfortable meal, I smoked a pipe of tobacco, strolled about the streets a little in the twilight, and turned into bed. Next morning, after breakfast, I strolled out again into the wood. I walked about for an hour, perhaps, without meeting anyone, casting anxious glances all the while towards the house where Molly lived. At length she made her appearance; not alone this time, but with another female. This must be the aunt, I thought--so much the better. Feeling the necessity of an excuse for hovering about so near the house, I feigned to be gathering wild flowers.
"Oh, aunt!" I heard Molly say as she came up, "here is Dr. Crow, the gentleman that I spoke to you about yesterday."
"Ah, Miss Sykes!" said I, lifting my hat in the most polite manner, "I hope I see you well this morning." Molly gave me her hand, and introduced me to her aunt, who curtseyed and smiled. I said that I had come down here for a change of air and that I was amusing myself with botanising.
"Oh, indeed!" said the aunt. "So that is your hobby, is it, Dr. Crow--well, and a very delightful one, too. I am very fond of flowers myself, and only wish I knew more about them. I do envy you scientific men. You always seem so happy and contented."
"Well, madam," said I, "there is nothing like having a hobby in life. It fills up many a weary hour and makes us forget the din and the bustle of the busy world around us. For my part, when I have no patients to attend to, I am always occupied in some way or other."
"Dear me," said the aunt. "How very delightful!" We walked on together, conversing agreeably as we went, and afterwards I was invited into the house. Need I say that I praised to the utmost the good taste of everything I saw there, her 

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