Miss Lily kept her other admirers out of the way, except as she might meet them at dances or whist parties. She was not much in love with Mr. Lewis; he was slow and really conceited, and, for a young man, rather careful of his money. If she only dared run the risk, and take Mr. Weir, who was to finish his college course in the summer! And then arose a new star on her horizon.
Mr. Williamson was forty and a widower; but he drove an elegant pair of bays, belonged to a club, and had apartments at a hotel. She tried captivating simplicity, and succeeded, to her great surprise, though she knew his habits were not irreproachable. She had begged of Mr. Lewis a little time for consideration, when one morning Mr. Williamson astonished her by a call, and an offer of his hand and fortune.
Miss Ludlow did not show her amazement, neither did she jump at the offer. She was very delicately surprised. Was he quite certain of his wishes? And--it was so unexpected!
So certain indeed that he would bring her a ring that very afternoon, and take her out driving,--a man of his years not to know his own mind!
She could hardly believe her good fortune. For a fortnight she engineered her way skilfully, still keeping Mr. Lewis in reserve. And then she was convinced, and dismissed him.
"Guess who is engaged?" Harry Gaynor cried, one morning. "I never was so beat in my life! Jim, maybe this will hit you hard. Seems to me you've been rather distraught of late and sighing like a furnace."
"These exams are enough to make any one sigh. And I am way behind. I must study day and night."
"There are always engagements at this season, and weddings at Easter," returned Weir, laughingly.
"My charmer? What are you driving at, Gaynor?"
"I've met that Lewis there," returned Jim, with an air of bravado, though he flushed a little. "He's a regular stick."
"But it isn't Lewis. It's that Gerald Williamson,--a man about town. And the queer thing is that he thinks he has struck a fortune. Do _you_ know, Jim? Is she to be the old lady's heir?"
"Of course she is," said Weir. "That is--I think it depends on whether Mrs. Nicoll approves of the marriage."
"Are you sure it is Williamson?" asked Jim.
"He announced it himself. My cousin heard him. And as for the old lady--the house is willed away. I've heard some talk; I can't just remember what. She's been shrewdly giving the impression."