y appointed as Custodian of the pro

ck had now established himself. "I declare, when you told me I should always find a room here, I did not realize what a temptation you were offering

ments of his friend from under

with a short laugh, added, "I knew

distant chimney, lighted up wonderfully

fellow," he laughed. "I hope you ha

, welcom

atient

: 'Now, no words against any former practitioner. If you want help from me, tell me your s

hortly: "I'm a poor one to hide my impat

er-of

t whimsical girls. You k

one when you were h

ther on my way to the depot, and that mad

unnecessary dryness; "I think y

would, if only to prepare the way for me; for I mean to visit them, as y

rnestness, "has it gone as deep as that? Are you really serious

for a minute thou

serious in

ess I am,

the othe

can call it

o see her, that is all. I wonder at your decision, but can

t a defec

s in her nat

nat

is said to do, cannot be without her faults. Such idiosyncrasies do no

harity in others. There is nothing like a personal defect to make one sensitive. Think of t

t almost

excuse

t's all. I should hesitate in making the acquaintance of on

him shared by

y sa

ose acquaintance you w

lterior purpose beyond tha

ter has

ps, of the conversa

used Frank, too interested in the s

teries," quoth

ll not account for it. There must be something in the hi

he world," retorted Edgar,

rt not to be moved with curiosity by such a fact as two girls secluding themselves in their own house, w

, of course, but I shall not busy mysel

ook out for some great piece of audacity on my part, for sp

ow you will man

et I am a

uilding in the principal street. "Through him," thought he, "I may light upon some business which will enable me to request with propriety an interview with Miss Cavanagh." Yet his heart failed him as he went up the steps of Mr. Hamilton's office, and if that gentleman, upon presenting himself, had bee

be impressed by Etheridge's sterling

Smith, so far as I know, ever came to reside in this town. And I was born and bred in this stree

pleasant acquaintance. Subdued by his failure, Frank quitted the office, and walked slowly down the street. If he had not boasted of his intentions to Edgar, he would have left the town without further effort; but now his pride was involved, and he made that an excuse to his love. Should he proceed boldly to her house, use the knocker, and ask to see Miss Cavanagh? Yes, he might do that, but afterwards? With what words should he g

hat and clo

lawyer that has come

he was about to hear

she declared, handing him a

e note. Who could be writing letters to him of such dainty appearance as this

ay I request that you will call at

don this informal method of requesting your

respe

one Ca

light to answer the messenger at once. When

morning?" he asked. "I shall be oblig

ny time would be convenien

t I will be at her d

nodded,

re the two rows of poplars are," she sud

oman had given him a quick glance of surpr

ed out, and that made

must wrap it about with a decent cloak of reserve before I go into the presence of one wh

see first? It mattered little. It was Hermione who had sent for him, and it was with Hermione he should talk. Was it his heart that was beating so l

And in another moment he

and into the room thus disclose

said the woman, as she slowly walked away,

ps, where the roses looked in, or at least in a spot enlivened by some evidences of womanly handiwork and taste. But here all was stiff as at a funeral. The high black mantel-shelf was without clock or vase, and the only attempt at ornament to be seen within the four gr

re came the sound of a step on the stair, and the