"If she will go," said the doctor, smiling at his brother's business-like way of disposing of the young people.
"She'll do any thing to please you," began Uncle Mac, in perfect good faith; for twenty-five years in the society of a very prosaic wife had taken nearly all the romance out of him.
"It is of no use for us to plan, and I shall never interfere except to advise; but, if I were to choose one of the boys, I should incline to my godson," answered the doctor, gravely.
"What, my Ugly Duckling!" exclaimed Uncle Mac, in great surprise.
"The Ugly Duckling turned out a swan, you remember. I've always been fond of the boy, because he's so genuine and original. Crude as a green apple now, but sound at the core, and only needs time to ripen. I'm sure he'll turn out a capital specimen of the Campbell variety."
"Much obliged, Alec; but it will never do at all. He's a good fellow, and may do something to be proud of by and by; but he's not the mate for our Rose. She needs some one who can manage her property when we are gone; and Archie is the man for that, depend upon it."
"Confound the property!" cried Dr. Alec, impetuously. "I want her to be happy; and I don't care how soon she gets rid of her money if it is going to be a millstone round her neck. I declare to you, I
