An Engagement

"We have forgotten our agreement," said Mr. De Saussure. "At
luncheon, we were all to tell, Mrs. Randolph, what we think
the worthiest thing to live for."

"Were we?" said mamma. "That sounds like one of Daisy's
problems."

"It is not hers, however," he rejoined; "any further than that
I am mainly curious to know what she will say about it."

"You ought to be equally anxious about my opinion, it seems to
me," mamma said.

"Do I not know it already? Pour la patrie, - does anything go
before that in your mind? Honestly, Mrs. Randolph, - is it not
in your opinion the worthiest thing anybody can do, to fight,
or to die - still better, - for the independence of the
South?"

"You do not think so," said mamma, "or you would be there."

"I am selfish, and have selfish hopes and fears. But you think
so?"

"Let us hear what you consider the worthiest object of life,"
said mamma.

"It is not my turn. Miss Randolph, your mother has spoken -
the next honour belongs to you."

"The worthiest object of life?" I said. "Is that the
question?"

"It will not be a question, when you have answered it," De
Saussure said gallantly.

"You will not like my answer," I said. "I should think it
would be, To please God."

"But that is not an answer, pardon me. Of course, the Supreme
Being is pleased to see people following the worthiest object;
and the question is, What is the worthiest?"