He was a studious and, I believe, a learned
young man, and there was no avoiding the fact that he possessed
considerable influence over Elsie. She liked to talk with him in
corners, or in secluded nooks of the forest, when we all went out
blackberry gathering or picnicking. She read books that he gave
her, and whenever a discussion arose relative to any topic higher
than those ordinary ones we usually canvassed, Elsie appealed to
Brake for his opinion, as a disciple consulting a beloved master.
I confess that for a time I feared this man as a rival. A little
closer observation, however, convinced me that my suspicions were
unfounded. The relations between Elsie and Hammond Brake were
purely intellectual. She reverenced his talents and acquirements,
but she did not love him. His influence over her, nevertheless,
was none the less decided.
In time--as I thought all along--Elsie yielded. I was what was
considered a most eligible match, being tolerably rich, and Elsie's
parents were most anxious to have me for a son-in-law. I was good-
looking and well educated enough, and the old people, I believe,
pertinaciously dinned all my advantages into my little girl's ears.
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