KITTY'S CLASS DAY AND OTHER STORIES

By

Louisa M. Alcott

Author of "Little Women, " etc. 

Originally published under the title

"PROVERB STORIES"

1882

[Illustration: Deeper in the wood sounded the measured ring of axes]

PREFACE

Being forbidden to write anything at present I have collected variouswaifs and strays to appease the young people who clamor for more, forgetting that mortal brains need rest. 

As many girls have asked to see what sort of tales Jo March wrote atthe beginning of her career, I have added "The Baron's Gloves, " as asample of the romantic rubbish which paid so well once upon a time. Ifit shows them what _not_ to write it will not have been rescued fromoblivion in vain. 

L. M. ALCOTT. 

CONTENTS

 KITTY'S CLASS DAY AUNT KIPP PSYCHE'S ART A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS ON PICKET DUTY THE BARON'S GLOVES MY RED CAP WHAT THE BELLS SAW AND SAID

PROVERB STORIES

KITTY'S CLASS DAY

"A stitch in time saves nine. "

"O Pris, Pris, I'm really going! Here's the invitation--roughpaper--Chapel--spreads--Lyceum Hall--everything splendid; and Jack totake care of me!"

As Kitty burst into the room and performed a rapturous _pas seul_, waving the cards over her head, sister Priscilla looked up from herwork with a smile of satisfaction on her quiet face. 

"Who invites you, dear?"

"Why, Jack, of course, --dear old cousin Jack. Nobody else ever thinksof me, or cares whether I have a bit of pleasure now and then. Isn'the kind? Mayn't I go? and, O Pris, what _shall_ I wear?"

Kitty paused suddenly, as if the last all-important question had asolemnizing effect upon both mind and body. 

"Why, your white muslin, silk sacque, and new hat, of course, " beganPris with an air of surprise. But Kitty broke in impetuously, --

"I'll never wear that old muslin again; it's full of darns, up to myknees, and all out of fashion. So is my sacque; and as for my hat, though it does well enough here, it would be absurd for Class Day. "

"You don't expect an entirely new suit for this occasion, --do you?"asked Pris, anxiously. 

"Yes, I do, and I'll tell you how I mean to get it. I've plannedeverything; for, though I hardly dreamed of going, I amused myself bythinking how I could manage if I _did_ get invited. "

"Let us hear. " And Pris took up her work with an air of resignation. 

"First, my dress, " began Kitty, perching herself on the arm of thesofa, and entering into the subject with enthusiasm. "I've got the tendollars grandpa sent me, and with eight of it I'm going to buyLizzie King's organdie muslin. She got it in Paris; but her auntprovidentially--no, unfortunately--died; so she can't wear it, andwants to get rid of it. She is bigger than I am, you know; so there isenough for a little mantle or sacque, for it isn't made up. The skirtis cut off and gored, with a splendid train--"

"My dear, you don't mean you are going to wear one of those absurd, new-fashioned dresses?" exclaimed Pris, lifting hands and eyes. 

"I do! Nothing would induce me to go to Class Day without a train. It's been the desire of my heart to have one, and now I _will_, ifI never have another gown to my back!" returned Kitty, with immensedecision. 

Pris shook her head, and said, "Go on!" as if prepared for anyextravagance after that. 

"We can make it ourselves, " continued Kitty, "and trim it with thesame. It's white with blue stripes and daisies in the stripes; theloveliest thing you ever saw, and can't be got here. So simple, yet distingué, I know you'll like it. Next, my bonnet, "--here thesolemnity of Kitty's face and manner was charming to behold. "I shallmake it out of one of my new illusion undersleeves. I've never wornthem; and the puffed part will be a plenty for a little fly-awaybonnet of the latest style. I've got blue ribbons to tie it with, andhave only to look up some daisies for the inside. With my extra twodollars I shall buy my gloves, and pay my fares, --and there I am, allcomplete. "

She looked so happy, so pretty, and full of girlish satisfaction, thatsister Pris couldn't bear to disturb the little plan, much as shedisapproved of it. They were poor, and every penny had to be counted. There were plenty of neighbors to gossip and criticise, and plenty offriends to make disagreeable remarks on any unusual extravagance. Pris saw things with the prudent eyes of thirty, but Kitty with theromantic eyes of seventeen; and the elder sister, in the kindness ofher heart, had no wish to sadden life to those bright young eyes, or deny the child a harmless pleasure. She sewed thoughtfully for aminute, then looked up, saying, with the smile that always assuredKitty the day was won, --

"Get your things together, and we will see what can be done. Butremember, dear, that it is both bad taste and bad economy for poorpeople to try to ape the rich. "

"You're a perfect angel, Pris; so don't moralize. I'll run and get thedress, and we'll begin at once, for there is much to do, and onlytwo days to do it in. " And Kitty skipped away, singing "LaurigerHoratius, " at the top of her voice. 

Priscilla soon found that the girl's head was completely turned by theadvice and example of certain fashionable young neighbors. It was invain for Pris to remonstrate and warn. 

"Just this once let me do as others do, and thoroughly enjoy myself. "pleaded Kitty; and Pris yielded, saying to herself, "She shall haveher wish, and if she learns a lesson, neither time nor money will belost. "

So they snipped and sewed, and planned and pieced, going through allthe alternations of despair and triumph, worry and satisfaction, whichwomen undergo when a new suit is under way. Company kept coming, fornews of Kitty's expedition had flown abroad, and her young friendsmust just run in to hear about it, and ask what she was going to wear;while Kitty was so glad and proud to tell, and show, and enjoy herlittle triumph that many half hours were wasted, and the second dayfound much still to do. 

The lovely muslin didn't hold out, and Kitty sacrificed the waist tothe train, for a train she must have or the whole thing would be anutter failure. A little sacque was eked out, however, and when thefrills were on, it was "ravishing, " as Kitty said, with a sigh ofmingled delight and fatigue. The gored skirt was a fearful job, as anyone who has ever plunged into the mysteries will testify; and beforethe facing, even experienced Pris quailed. 

The bonnet also was a trial, for when the lace was on, it wasdiscovered that the ribbons didn't match the dress. Here was acatastrophe! Kitty frantically rummaged the house, the shops, thestores of her friends, and rummaged in vain. There was no time to sendto the city, and despair was about to fall on Kitty, when Pris rescuedher by quietly making one of the small sacrifices which were easy toher because her life was spent for others. Some one suggested a stripof blue illusion, --and that could be got; but, alas! Kitty hadno money, for the gloves were already bought. Pris heard thelamentations, and giving up fresh ribbons for herself, pulled hersister out of a slough of despond with two yards of "heavenly tulle. "

"Now the daisies; and oh, dear me, not one can I find in thispoverty-stricken town, " sighed Kitty, prinking at the glass, andfervently hoping that nothing would happen to her complexion overnight. 

"I see plenty just like those on your dress, " answered Pris, noddingtoward the meadow full of young whiteweed. 

"Pris, you're a treasure! I'll wear real ones; they keep well, I know, and are so common I can refresh my bonnet anywhere. It's a splendididea. "

Away rushed Kitty to return with an apron full of American daisies. Apretty cluster was soon fastened just over the left-hand frizzle ofbright hair, and the little bonnet was complete. 

"Now, Pris, tell me how I look, " cried Kitty, as she swept into theroom late that afternoon in full gala costume. 

It would have been impossible for the primmest, the sourest, or themost sensible creature in the world to say that it wasn't a prettysight. The long train, the big chignon, the apology for a bonnet, wereall ridiculous, --no one could deny that, --but youth, beauty, and ahappy heart made even those absurdities charming. The erect youngfigure gave an air to the crisp folds of the delicate dress; thebright eyes and fresh cheeks under the lace rosette made one forgetits size; and the rippling brown hair won admiration in spite of theugly bunch which disfigured the girl's head. The little jacket set"divinely, " the new gloves were as immaculate as white kids could be, and to crown all, Lizzie King, in a burst of generosity, lent Kittythe blue and white Paris sunshade which she couldn't use herself. 

"Now I could die content; I'm perfect in all respects, and I know Jackwon't be ashamed of me. I really owe it to him to look my best, youknow, and that's why I'm so particular, " said Kitty, in an apologetictone, as she began to lay away her finery. 

"I hope you will enjoy every minute of the time, deary. Don't forgetto finish running up the facing; I've basted it carefully, and woulddo it if my head didn't ache so, I really can't hold it up anylonger, " answered Pris, who had worked like a disinterested bee, whileKitty had flown about like a distracted butterfly. 

"Go and lie down, you dear, kind soul, and don't think of my nonsenseagain, " said Kitty, feeling remorseful, till Pris was comfortablyasleep, when she went to her room and revelled in her finery tillbedtime. So absorbed was she in learning to manage her traingracefully, that she forgot the facing till very late. Then, beingworn out with work and worry, she did, what girls are too apt to do, stuck a pin here and there, and, trusting to Priscilla's carefulbastings, left it as it was, retiring to dream of a certain HoraceFletcher, whose aristocratic elegance had made a deep impression uponher during the few evenings she had seen him. 

Nothing could have been lovelier than the morning, and few heartshappier than Kitty's, as she arrayed herself with the utmost care, andwaited in solemn state for the carriage; for muslin trains and dewyroads were incompatible, and one luxury brought another. 

"My goodness, where did she get that stylish suit?" whispered MissSmith to Miss Jones, as Kitty floated into the station with all sailset, finding it impossible to resist the temptation to astonishcertain young ladies who had snubbed her in times past, which snubshad rankled, and were now avenged. 

"I looked everywhere for a muslin for to-day and couldn't find any Iliked, so I was forced to wear my mauve silk, " observed Miss Smith, complacently settling the silvery folds of her dress. 

"It's very pretty, but one ruins a silk at Class Day, you know. Ithought this organdie would be more comfortable and appropriate thiswarm day. A friend brought it from Paris, and it's like one thePrincess of Wales wore at the great flower-show this year, " returnedKitty, with the air of a young lady who had all her dresses fromParis, and was intimately acquainted with the royal family. 

"Those girls" were entirely extinguished by this stroke, and hadn'ta word to say for themselves, while Kitty casually mentioned HoraceFletcher, Lyceum Hall, and Cousin Jack, for _they_ had only a littleFreshman brother to boast of, and were _not_ going to Lyceum Hall. 

As she stepped out of the cars at Cambridge, Jack opened his honestblue eyes and indulged in a low whistle of astonishment: for if therewas anything he especially hated, it was the trains, chignons and tinybonnets then in fashion. He was very fond of Kitty, and prided himselfon being able to show his friends a girl who was charming, and yet notover-dressed. 

"She has made a regular guy of herself; I won't tell her so, and thedear little soul shall have a jolly time in spite of her fuss andfeathers. But I do wish she had let her hair alone and worn thatpretty hat of hers. "

As this thought passed through Jack's mind he smiled and bowed andmade his way among the crowd, whispering as he drew his cousin's armthrough his own, --

"Why, Kitty, you're got up regardless of expense, aren't you? I'm soglad you came, we'll have a rousing good time, and you shall see allthe fun. "

"Oh, thank you, Jack! Do I look nice, really? I tried to be a creditto you and Pris, and I did have such a job of it. I'll make you laughover it some time. A carriage for me? Bless us, how fine we are!" andKitty stepped in, feeling that only one thing more was needed to makeher cup overflow. That one thing was speedily vouchsafed, for beforeher skirts were smoothly settled, Jack called out, in his heartyway, --

"How are you, Fletcher? If you are bound for Chapel I'll take you up. "

"Thanks; good-morning, Miss Heath. "

It was all done in an instant, and the next thing Kitty knew she wasrolling away with the elegant Horace sitting opposite. How littleit takes to make a young girl happy! A pretty dress, sunshine, andsomebody opposite, and they are blest. Kitty's face glowed and dimpledwith pleasure as she glanced about her, especially when _she_, sittingin state with two gentlemen all to herself, passed "those girls"walking in the dust with a beardless boy; she felt that she couldforgive past slights, and did so with a magnanimous smile and bow. 

Both Jack and Fletcher had graduated the year before, but still tookan interest in their old haunts, and patronized the fellows who werenot yet through the mill, at least the Seniors and Juniors; of Sophsand Freshs they were sublimely unconscious. Greeted by frequent slapson the shoulder, and hearty "How are you, old fellows, " they pilotedKitty to a seat in the chapel. An excellent place, but the girl'ssatisfaction was marred by Fletcher's desertion, and she could not seeanything attractive about the dashing young lady in the pink bonnet towhom he devoted himself, "because she was a stranger, " Kitty said. 

Everybody knows what goes on in the Chapel, after the fight andscramble are over. The rustle and buzz, the music, the oratory and thepoem, during which the men cheer and the girls simper; the professorsyawn, and the poet's friends pronounce him a second Longfellow. Thenthe closing flourishes, the grand crush, and general scattering. 

Then the fun really begins, as far as the young folks are concerned. _They_ don't mind swarming up and down stairs in a solid phalanx; theycan enjoy half a dozen courses of salad, ice and strawberries, withstout gentlemen crushing their feet, anxious mammas sticking sharpelbows into their sides, and absent-minded tutors walking over them. They can flirt vigorously in a torrid atmosphere of dinner, dust, and din; can smile with hot coffee running down their backs, smallavalanches of ice-cream descending upon their best bonnets, andsandwiches, butter-side down, reposing on their delicate silks. Theyknow that it is a costly rapture, but they carefully refrain fromthinking of the morrow, and energetically illustrate the Yankee maximwhich bids us enjoy ourselves in our early bloom. 

Kitty did have "a rousing good time;" for Jack was devoted, takingher everywhere, showing her everything, feeding and fanning her, and festooning her train with untiring patience. How many forcibleexpressions he mentally indulged in as he walked on that unlucky trainwe will not record; he smiled and skipped and talked of treading onflowers in a way that would have charmed Kitty, if some one else hadnot been hovering about "The Daisy, " as Fletcher called her. 

After he returned, she neglected Jack, who took it coolly, and wasnever in the way unless she wanted him. For the first time in herlife, Kitty deliberately flirted. The little coquetries, which are asnatural to a gay young girl as her laughter, were all in full play, and had she gone no further no harm would have been done. But, excited by the example of those about her, Kitty tried to enact thefashionable young lady, and, like most novices, she overdid the part. Quite forgetting her cousin, she tossed her head, twirled her fan, gave affected little shrieks at college jokes, and talked collegeslang in a way that convulsed Fletcher, who enjoyed the fun immensely. 

Jack saw it all, shook his head and said nothing; but his facegrew rather sober as he watched Kitty, flushed, dishevelled, andbreathless, whirling round Lyceum Hall, on the arm of Fletcher, whodanced divinely, as all the girls agreed. Jack had proposed going, butKitty had frowned, so he fell back, leaving her to listen and laugh, blush and shrink a little at her partner's flowery compliments andadmiring glances. 

"If she stands that long she's not the girl I took her for, " thoughtJack, beginning to lose patience. "She doesn't look like my littleKitty, and somehow I don't feel half so fond and proud of her asusual. I know one thing, _my_ daughters shall never be seen knockingabout in that style. "

As if the thought suggested the act, Jack suddenly assumed an air ofpaternal authority, and, arresting his cousin as she was about tobegin again, he said, in a tone she had never heard before, --

"I promised Pris to take care of you, so I shall carry you off torest, and put yourself to rights after this game of romps. I adviseyou to do the same, Fletcher, or give your friend in the pink bonnet aturn. "

Kitty took Jack's arm pettishly, but glanced over her shoulder withsuch an inviting smile that Fletcher followed, feeling very much likea top, in danger of tumbling down the instant he stopped spinning. Asshe came out Kitty's face cleared, and, assuming her sprightliest air, she spread her plumage and prepared to descend with effect, for aparty of uninvited _peris_ stood at the gate of this Paradise castinglonging glances at the forbidden splendors within. Slowly, that allmight see her, Kitty sailed down, with Horace, the debonair, in herwake, and was just thinking to herself, "Those girls won't get overthis very soon, I fancy, " when all in one moment she heard Fletcherexclaim, wrathfully, "Hang the flounces!" she saw a very glossy blackhat come skipping down the steps, felt a violent twitch backward, and, to save herself from a fall, sat down on the lower step with mostundignified haste. 

It was impossible for the bystanders to help laughing, for there wasFletcher hopping wildly about, with one foot nicely caught in a muslinloop, and there sat Kitty longing to run away and hide herself, yetperfectly helpless, while every one tittered. Miss Jones and MissSmith laughed shrilly, and the despised little Freshman completed hermortification, by a feeble joke about Kitty Heath's new man-trap. Itwas only an instant, but it seemed an hour before Fletcher freed her, and snatching up the dusty beaver, left her with a flushed countenanceand an abrupt bow. 

If it hadn't been for Jack, Kitty would have burst into tears then andthere, so terrible was the sense of humiliation which oppressed her. For his sake she controlled herself, and, bundling up her torn train, set her teeth, stared straight before her, and let him lead her indead silence to a friend's room near by. There he locked the door, andbegan to comfort her by making light of the little mishap. But Kittycried so tragically, that he was at his wit's end, till the ludicrousside of the affair struck her, and she began to laugh hysterically. With a vague idea that vigorous treatment was best for that feminineailment, Jack was about to empty the contents of an ice-pitcher overher, when she arrested him, by exclaiming, incoherently, --

"Oh, don't!--it was so funny!--how can you laugh, you cruel boy?--I'mdisgraced, forever--take me home to Pris, oh, take me home to Pris!"

"I will, my dear, I will; but first let me right you up a bit; youlook as if you had been hazed, upon my life you do;" and Jack laughedin spite of himself at the wretched little object before him, fordust, dancing, and the downfall produced a ruinous spectacle. 

That broke Kitty's heart; and, spreading her hands before her face, she was about to cry again, when the sad sight which met her eyesdispelled the gathering tears. The new gloves were both split up themiddle and very dirty with clutching at the steps as she went down. 

"Never mind, you can wash them, " said Jack, soothingly. 

"I paid a dollar and a half for them, and they can't be washed, "groaned Kitty. 

"Oh, hang the gloves! I meant your hands, " cried Jack, trying to keepsober. 

"No matter for my hands, I mourn my gloves. But I won't cry any more, for my head aches now so I can hardly see. " And Kitty threw off herbonnet, as if even that airy trifle hurt her. 

Seeing how pale she looked, Jack tenderly suggested a rest on the oldsofa, and a wet handkerchief on her hot forehead, while he got thegood landlady to send her up a cup of tea. As Kitty rose to complyshe glanced at her dress, and, clasping her hands, exclaimed, tragically, --"The facing, the fatal facing! That made all themischief, for if I'd sewed it last night it wouldn't have rippedto-day; if it hadn't ripped Fletcher wouldn't have got his foot in it, I shouldn't have made an object of myself, he wouldn't have gone offin a rage, and--who knows what might have happened?"

"Bless the what's-its-name if it has settled him, " cried Jack. "He isa contemptible fellow not to stay and help you out of the scrape hegot you into. Follow his lead and don't trouble yourself about him. "

"Well, he _was_ rather absurd to-day, I allow; but he _has_ gothandsome eyes and hands, and he _does_ dance like an angel, " sighedKitty, as she pinned up the treacherous loop which had broughtdestruction to her little castle in the air. 

"Handsome eyes, white hands, and angelic feet don't make a man. Waittill you can do better, Kit. "

With an odd, grave look, that rather startled Kitty, Jack vanished, toreturn presently with a comfortable cup of tea and a motherly old ladyto help repair damages and soothe her by the foolish little purringsand pattings so grateful to female nerves after a flurry. 

"I'll come back and take you out to see the dance round the tree whenyou've had a bit of a rest, " said Jack, vibrating between door andsofa as if it wasn't easy to get away. 

"Oh, I couldn't, " cried Kitty, with a shudder at the bare idea ofmeeting any one. "I can't be seen again to-night; let me stay heretill my train goes. "

"I thought it had gone, already, " said Jack, with an irrepressibletwinkle of the eye that glanced at the draggled dress sweeping thefloor. 

"How _can_ you joke about it!" and the girl's reproachful eyes filledwith tears of shame. "I know I've been very silly, Jack, but I've hadmy punishment, and I don't need any more. To feel that you despise meis worse than all the rest. "

She ended with a little sob, and turned her face away to hide thetrembling of her lips. At that, Jack flushed up, his eyes shone, and he stooped suddenly as if to make some impetuous reply. But, remembering the old lady (who, by the by, was discreetly looking outof the window), he put his hands in his pockets and strolled out ofthe room. 

"I've lost them both by this day's folly, " thought Kitty, as Mrs. Brown departed with the teacup. "I don't care for Fletcher, for I daresay he didn't mean half he said, and I was only flattered because heis rich and handsome and the girls glorify him. But I shall miss Jack, for I've known and loved him all my life. How good he's been to meto-day! so patient, careful, and kind, though he must have beenashamed of me. I know he didn't like my dress; but he never said aword and stood by me through everything. Oh, I wish I'd minded Pris!then he would have respected me, at least; I wonder if he ever will, again?"

Following a sudden impulse, Kitty sprang up, locked the door, and thenproceeded to destroy all her little vanities as far as possible. Shesmoothed out her crimps with a wet and ruthless hand; fastened up herpretty hair in the simple way Jack liked; gave her once cherishedbonnet a spiteful shake, as she put it on, and utterly extinguished itwith a big blue veil. She looped up her dress, leaving no vestige ofthe now hateful train, and did herself up uncompromisingly in theQuakerish gray shawl Pris had insisted on her taking for the evening. Then she surveyed herself with pensive satisfaction, saying, in thetone of one bent on resolutely mortifying the flesh, --

"Neat but not gaudy; I'm a fright, but I deserve it, and it's betterthan being a peacock. "

Kitty had time to feel a little friendless and forlorn, sitting therealone as twilight fell, and amused herself by wondering if Fletcherwould come to inquire about her, or show any further interest in her;yet when the sound of a manly tramp approached, she trembled lest itshould be the victim of the fatal facing. The door opened, and with asigh of relief she saw Jack come in, bearing a pair of new gloves inone hand and a great bouquet of June roses in the other. 

"How good of you to bring me these! They are more refreshing thanoceans of tea. You know what I like, Jack; thank you very much" criedKitty, sniffing at her roses with grateful rapture. 

"And you know what I like, " returned Jack, with an approving glance atthe altered figure before him. 

"I'll never do so any more, " murmured Kitty, wondering why she feltbashful all of a sudden, when it was only cousin Jack. 

"Now put on your gloves, dear, and come out and hear the music: yourtrain doesn't go for two hours yet, and you mustn't mope here all thattime, " said Jack, offering his second gift. 

"How did you know my size?" asked Kitty, putting on the gloves in ahurry; for though Jack had called her "dear" for years, the littleword had a new sound to-night. 

"I guessed, --no, I didn't, I had the old ones with me; they are nogood now, are they?" and too honest to lie, Jack tried to speakcarelessly, though he turned red in the dusk, well knowing that thedirty little gloves were folded away in his left breast-pocket at thatidentical moment. 

"Oh, dear, no! these fit nicely. I'm ready, if you don't mind goingwith such a fright, " said Kitty, forgetting her dread of seeing peoplein her desire to get away from that room, because for the first timein her life she wasn't at ease with Jack. 

"I think I like the little gray moth better than the fine butterfly, "returned Jack, who, in spite of his invitation, seemed to find"moping" rather pleasant. 

"You are a rainy-day friend, and he isn't, " said Kitty, softly, as shedrew him away. 

Jack's only answer was to lay his hand on the little white gloveresting so confidingly on his arm, and, keeping it there, they roamedaway into the summer twilight. 

Something had happened to the evening and the place, for both seemedsuddenly endowed with uncommon beauty and interest. The dingy oldhouses might have been fairy palaces, for anything they saw to thecontrary; the dusty walks, the trampled grass, were regular Elysianfields to them, and the music was the music of the spheres, thoughthey found themselves "Right in the middle of the boom, jing, jing. "For both had made a little discovery, --no, not a little one, thegreatest and sweetest man and woman can make. In the sharp twinge ofjealousy which the sight of Kitty's flirtation with Fletcher gave him, and the delight he found in her after conduct, Jack discovered howmuch he loved her. In the shame, gratitude, and half sweet, halfbitter emotion that filled her heart, Kitty felt that to her Jackwould never be "only cousin Jack" any more. All the vanity, coquetry, selfishness, and ill-temper of the day seemed magnified to heinoussins, for now her only thought was, "seeing these faults, he _can't_care for me. Oh, I wish I was a better girl!"

She did not say "for his sake, " but in the new humility, the ardentwish to be all that a woman should be, little Kitty proved how trueher love was, and might have said with Portia, --

 "For myself alone, I would not be Ambitious in my wish; but, for you, I would be trebled twenty times myself; A thousand times more fair, Ten thousand times more rich. "

All about them other pairs were wandering under the patriarchal elms, enjoying music, starlight, balmy winds, and all the luxuries of theseason. If the band had played

 "Oh, there's nothing half so sweet in life As love's young dream--"

it is my private opinion that it would have suited the audience toa T. Being principally composed of elderly gentlemen with largefamilies, they had not that fine sense of the fitness of things socharming to see, and tooted and banged away with waltzes and marches, quite regardless of the flocks of Romeos and Juliets philandering allabout them. 

Under cover of a popular medley, Kitty overheard Fletcher quizzing herfor the amusement of Miss Pinkbonnet, who was evidently making upfor lost time. It was feeble wit, but it put the finishing stroke toKitty's vanity, and she dropped a tear in her blue tissue retreat, andclung to Jack, feeling that she had never valued him half enough. Shehoped he didn't hear the gossip going on at the other side of the treenear which they stood; but he did, for his hand involuntarily doubleditself up into a very dangerous-looking fist, and he darted suchfiery glances at the speaker, that, if the thing had been possible. Fletcher's ambrosial curls would have been scorched off his head. 

"Never mind, and don't get angry, Jack. They are right about onething, --the daisies in my bonnet _were_ real, and I _couldn't_ affordany others. I don't care much, only Pris worked so hard to get meready I hate to have my things made fun of. "

"He isn't worth a thrashing, so we'll let it pass this time, " saidJack, irefully, yet privately resolving to have it out with Fletcherby and by. 

"Why, Kitty, I thought the real daisies the prettiest things aboutyour dress. Don't throw them away. I'll wear them just to show thatnoodle that I prefer nature to art;" and Jack gallantly stuck thefaded posy in his button-hole, while Kitty treasured up the hint sokindly given for future use. 

If a clock with great want of tact hadn't insisted on telling themthat it was getting late, Kitty never would have got home, for boththe young people felt inclined to loiter about arm in arm through thesweet summer night forever. 

Jack had meant to say something before she went, and was immenselysurprised to find the chance lost for the present. He wanted to gohome with her and free his mind; but a neighborly old gentleman havingbeen engaged as escort, there would have been very little satisfactionin a travelling trio; so he gave it up. He was very silent as theywalked to the station with Dr. Dodd trudging behind them. Kittythought he was tired, perhaps glad to be rid of her, and meeklyaccepted her fate. But as the train approached, she gave his hand animpulsive squeeze, and said very gratefully, --

"Jack, I can't thank you enough for your kindness to your silly littlecousin; but I never shall forget it, and if I ever can return it inany way, I will with all my heart. "

Jack looked down at the young face almost pathetic now with weariness, humility, and pain, yet very sweet, with that new shyness in theloving eyes, and, stooping suddenly, he kissed it, whispering in atone that made the girl's heart flutter, --

"I'll tell you how you may return it 'with all your heart, ' by and by. Good-night, my Kitty. "

"Have you had a good time, dear?" asked Pris, as her sister appearedan hour later. 

"Don't I look as if I had?" and, throwing off her wraps, Kittyrevolved slowly before her that she might behold every portion of thewreck. "My gown is all dust, crumple, and rags, my bonnet perfectlylimp and flat, and my gloves are ruined; I've broken Lizzie's parasol, made a spectacle of myself, and wasted money, time, and temper; yet myClass Day isn't a failure, for Jack is the dearest boy in the world, and I'm very, very happy!"

Pris looked at her a minute, then opened her arms without a word, andKitty forgot all her little troubles in one great joy. 

When Miss Smith and Miss Jones called a few days after to tell herthat Mr. Fletcher was going abroad, the amiable creatures wereentirely routed by finding Jack there in a most unmistakablesituation. He blandly wished Horace "bon voyage, " and regretted thathe wouldn't be there to the wedding in October. Kitty devoted herselfto blushing beautifully, and darning many rents in a short daisymuslin skirt, "which I intend to wear a great deal, because Jack likesit, and so do I, " she said, with a demure look at her lover, wholaughed as if that was the best joke of the season. 

AUNT KIPP

"Children and fools speak the truth. "

I

"What's that sigh for, Polly dear?" "I'm tired, mother, tired ofworking and waiting. If I'm ever going to have any fun, I want it_now_ while I can enjoy it. "

"You shouldn't wait another hour if I could have my way; but youknow how helpless I am;" and poor Mrs. Snow sighed dolefully, as sheglanced about the dingy room and pretty Mary turning her faded gownfor the second time. 

"If Aunt Kipp would give us the money she is always talking about, instead of waiting till she dies, we should be _so_ comfortable. Sheis a dreadful bore, for she lives in such terror of dropping dead withher heart-complaint that she doesn't take any pleasure in life herselfor let any one else; so the sooner she goes the better for all of us, "said Polly, in a desperate tone; for things looked very black to herjust then. 

"My dear, don't say that, " began her mother, mildly shocked; but abluff little voice broke in with the forcible remark, --

"She's everlastingly telling me never to put off till to-morrow whatcan be done to-day; next time she comes I'll remind her of that, andask her, if she is going to die, why she doesn't do it?"

"Toady! you're a wicked, disrespectful boy; never let me hear you saysuch a thing again about your dear Aunt Kipp. "

"She isn't dear! You know we all hate her, and you are more afraid ofher than you are of spiders, --so now. "

The young personage whose proper name had been corrupted into Toady, was a small boy of ten or eleven, apple-cheeked, round-eyed, andcurly-headed; arrayed in well-worn, gray knickerbockers, profuselyadorned with paint, glue, and shreds of cotton. Perched on a highstool, at an isolated table in a state of chaos, he was absorbed inmaking a boat, entirely oblivious of the racking tooth-ache which hadbeen his excuse for staying from school. As cool, saucy, hard-handed, and soft-hearted a little specimen of young America was Toady as youwould care to see; a tyrant at home, a rebel at school, a sworn foeto law, order, and Aunt Kipp. This young person was regarded as areprobate by all but his mother, sister, and sister's sweetheart, VanBahr Lamb. Having been, through much anguish of flesh and spirit, taught that lying was a deadly sin, Toady rushed to the other extreme, and bolted out the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, at all times and places, with a startling abruptness that broughtwrath and dismay upon his friends and relatives. 

"It's wicked to fib; you've whipped that into me and you can't rub itout, " he was wont to say, with vivid recollection of the past tinglingin the chubby portions of his frame. 

"Mind your chips, Toady, and take care what you say to Aunt Kipp, oryou'll be as poor as a little rat all the days of your life, " saidPolly, warningly. 

"I don't want her old money, and I'll tell her so if she bothers meabout it. I shall go into business with Van and take care of the wholelot; so don't you preach, Polly, " returned Toady, with as much dignityas was compatible with a great dab of glue on the end of his snubnose. 

"Mother, did aunt say anything about coming this week?" asked Polly, after a pause of intense thought over a breadth with three darns, twospots, and a burn. 

"Yes; she wrote that she was too feeble to come at present, as she hadsuch dreadful palpitations she didn't dare stir from her room. So weare quite safe for the next week at least, and--bless my soul, thereshe is now!"

Mrs. Snow clasped her hands with a gesture of dismay, and sat as iftransfixed by the spectacle of a ponderous lady, in an awe-inspiringbonnet, who came walking slowly down the street. Polly gave a groan, and pulled a bright ribbon from her hair. Toady muttered, "Oh, bother!" and vainly attempted to polish up his countenance with afragmentary pocket-handkerchief. 

"Nothing but salt fish for dinner, " wailed Mrs. Snow, as the shadow ofthe coming event fell upon her. 

"Van will make a fool of himself, and ruin everything, " sighed Polly, glancing at the ring on her finger. 

"I know she'll kiss me; she never _will_ let a fellow alone, " growledToady, scowling darkly. 

The garden gate clashed, dust flew from the door-mat, a heavy stepechoed in the hall, an imperious voice called "Sophy!" and Aunt Kippentered with a flourish of trumpets, for Toady blew a blast throughhis fingers which made the bows totter on her bonnet. 

"My dear aunt, I'm very glad to see you, " murmured Mrs. Snow, advancing with a smile of welcome; for though as weak as water gruel, she was as kind-hearted a little woman as ever lived. 

"What a fib that was!" said Toady, _sotto voce_. 

"We were just saying we were afraid you wouldn't"--began Mary, when awarning, "Mind now, Polly, " caused her to stop short and busy herselfwith the newcomer's bag and umbrella. 

"I changed my mind. Theodore, come and kiss me, " answered Aunt Kipp, briefly. 

"Yes'm, " was the plaintive reply, and, closing his eyes, Toady awaitedhis fate with fortitude. 

But the dreaded salute did not come, for Aunt Kipp exclaimed inalarm, --

"Mercy on us! has the boy got the plague?"

"No'm, it's paint, and dirt, and glue, and it _won't_ come off, " saidToady, stroking his variegated countenance with grateful admirationfor the stains that saved him. 

"Go and wash this moment, sir. Thank Heaven, _I've_ got no boys, "cried Aunt Kipp. As if boys were some virulent disease which she hadnarrowly escaped. 

With a hasty peck at the lips of her two elder relatives, the old ladyseated herself, and slowly removed the awful bonnet, which in shapeand hue much resembled a hearse hung with black crape. 

"I'm glad you are better, " said Mary, reverently receiving thefunereal head-gear. 

"I'm _not_ better, " cut in Aunt Kipp. "I'm worse, much worse; my daysare numbered; I stand on the brink of the tomb, and may drop at anymoment. "

Toady's face was a study, as he glanced up at the old lady's floridcountenance, down at the floor, as if in search of the above-mentioned"brink, " and looked unaffectedly anxious to see her drop. "Why don'tyou, then?" was on his lips; but a frown from Polly restrained him, and he sat himself down on the rug to contemplate the corpulentvictim. 

"Have a cup of tea, aunt?" said Mrs. Snow. 

"I will. "

"Lie down and rest a little, " suggested Polly. 

"I won't. "

"Can we do anything for you?" said both. 

"Take my things away, and have dinner early. "

Both departed to perform these behests, and, leaning back in herchair, Aunt Kipp reposed. 

"I say, what's a bore?" asked Toady from the rug, where he sat rockingmeditatively to and fro, holding on by his shoe-strings. 

"It's a kind of a pig, very fierce, and folks are afraid of 'em, " saidAunt Kipp, whose knowledge of Natural History was limited. 

"Good for Polly! so you are!" sung out the boy, with the heartychild's laugh so pleasant to most ears. 

"What do you mean, sir?" demanded the old lady, irefully poking at himwith her umbrella. 

"Why, Polly said you were a bore, " explained Toady, with artlessfrankness. "You _are_ fat, you know, and fierce sometimes, and folksare afraid of you. Good, wasn't it?"

"Very! Mary is a nice, grateful, respectful, loving niece, and Ishan't forget her, she may depend on that, " and Aunt Kipp laughedgrimly. 

"May she? well, that's jolly now. She was afraid you wouldn't give herthe money; so I'll tell her it's all right;" and innocent Toady noddedapprovingly. 

"Oh, she expects some of my money, does she?"

"Course she does; ain't you always saying you'll remember us in yourwill, because father was your favorite nephew, and all that? I'll tellyou a secret, if you won't let Polly know I spoke first. You'll findit out to-night, for you 'd see Van and she were sweethearts in aminute. "

"Sweethearts?" cried Aunt Kipp, turning red in the face. 

"Yes'm. Van settled it last week, and Polly's been so happy eversince. Mother likes it, and _I_ like it, for I'm fond of Van, thoughI do call him Baa-baa, because he looks like a sheep. We all like it, and we 'd all say so, if we were not afraid of you. Mother and Polly, I mean; of course we men don't mind, but we don't want a fuss. Youwon't make one, will you, now?"

Anything more expressive of brotherly good-will, persuasive frankness, and a placid consciousness of having "fixed it, " than Toady's dirtylittle face, it would be hard to find. Aunt Kipp eyed him so fiercelythat even before she spoke a dim suspicion that something was wrongbegan to dawn on his too-confiding soul. 

"_I_ don't like it, and I'll put a stop to it. I won't have anyridiculous baa-baas in my family. If Mary counts on my money to beginhousekeeping with, she'll find herself mistaken; for not one pennyshall she have, married or single, and you may tell her so. "

Toady was so taken aback by this explosion that he let go hisshoe-strings, fell over with a crash, and lay flat, with shovel andtongs spread upon him like a pall. In rushed Mrs. Snow and Polly, tofind the boy's spirits quite quenched, for once, and Aunt Kipp in atowering passion. It all came out in one overwhelming flood of words, and Toady fled from the storm to wander round the house, a prey tothe deepest remorse. The meekness of that boy at dinner-time was soangelic that Mrs. Snow would have feared speedy translation for him, if she had not been very angry. Polly's red eyes, and Aunt Kipp'sgriffinesque expression of countenance, weighed upon his soul soheavily, that even roly-poly pudding failed to assuage his trouble, and, taking his mother into the china-closet, he anxiously inquired"if it was all up with Polly?"

"I'm afraid so, for aunt vows she will make a new will to-morrow, andleave every penny to the Charitable Rag-bag Society, " sighed Mrs. Snow. 

"I didn't mean to do it, I truly didn't! I thought I'd just 'give hera hint, ' as you say. She looked all right, and laughed when I told herabout being a bore, and I thought she liked it. If she was a man, I'dthrash her for making Polly cry;" and Toady shook his fist at AuntKipp's umbrella, which was an immense relief to his perturbed spirit. 

"Bless the boy! I do believe he would!" cried Mrs. Snow, watching thelittle turkey-cock with maternal pride. "You can't do that: so just becareful and not make any more mischief, dear. "

"I'll try, mother; but I'm always getting into scrapes with Aunt Kipp. She's worse than measles, any day, --such an old aggrawater! Van'scoming this afternoon, won't he make her pleasant again?"

"Oh, dear, no! He will probably make things ten times worse, he's sobashful and queer. I'm afraid our last chance is gone, deary, and wemust rub along as we have done. "

One sniff of emotion burst from Toady, and for a moment he laid hishead in the knife-tray, overcome with disappointment and regret. But scorning to yield to unmanly tears, he was soon himself again. Thrusting his beloved jackknife, with three blades and a file, intoPolly's hand, he whispered, brokenly, --

"Keep it forever 'n' ever; I'm awful sorry!" Then, feeling that themagnitude of this sacrifice atoned for everything, he went to watchfor Van, --the forlorn hope to which he now clung. 

II

"Sophy, I'm surprised at your want of judgment. Do you really meanto let your girl marry this Lamb? Why, the man's a fool!" began AuntKipp, after dinner, by way of opening a pleasant conversation with herrelatives. 

"Dear me, aunt! how can you know that, when you never saw him?" mildlyreturned Mrs. Snow. 

"I've heard of him, and that's enough for me. I've a deal ofpenetration in judging character, and I tell you Van Bahr Lamb is afool. "

The amiable old lady thought this would rouse Polly, against whom heranger still burned hotly. But Polly also possessed penetration;and, well knowing that contradiction would delight Aunt Kipp, shecompletely took the wind out of her sails, by coolly remarking, --

"I like fools. "

"Bless my heart! what does the girl mean?" ejaculated Aunt Kipp. 

"Just what I say. If Van is a fool, I prefer simpletons to wiseacres. I know he is shy and awkward, and does absurd things now and then. ButI also know that he has the kindest heart that ever was; is unselfish, faithful and loving; that he took good care of his old parents tillthey died, and never thought of himself while they needed him. Heloves me dearly; will wait for me a dozen years, if I say so, and workall his days to make me happy. He's a help and comfort to mother, agood friend to Toady, and I love and respect and am proud of him, though you do say he is a fool, " cried Polly heartily. 

"And you insist on marrying him?" demanded Aunt Kipp. 

"Yes, I do. "

"Then I wish a carriage immediately, " was the somewhat irrelevantreply. 

"Why, aunt, you don't mean to go so soon?" cried Mrs. Snow, with areproachful glance at the rebellious Polly. 

"Far from it. I wish to see Judge Banks about altering my will, " wasthe awful answer. 

Polly's face fell; her mother gave a despairing sigh; Toady, who hadhovered about the door, uttered a suppressed whistle of dismay; andMrs. Kipp looked about her with vengeful satisfaction. 

"Get the big carryall and old Bob, so the boy can drive, and all ofyou come; the trip will do you good. "

It was like Aunt Kipp to invite her poor relations to go and "niptheir own noses off, " as she elegantly expressed it. It was a party ofpleasure that just suited her, for all the fun was on her side. Shegrew affable at once, was quite pressing in her invitation, regrettedthat Sophy was too busy to go, praised Polly's hat; and professedherself quite satisfied with "that dear boy" for a driver. The "dearboy" distorted his young countenance frightfully behind her back, butfound a balm for every wound in the delight of being commander of theexpedition. 

The big carryall appeared, and, with much creaking and swaying Mrs. Kipp was got into the back seat, where the big bonnet gloomed like athunder-cloud. Polly, in a high state of indignation, which only madeher look ten times prettier, sat in front with Toady, who was a sightto see as he drove off with his short legs planted against the boot, his elbows squared, and the big whip scientifically cracking nowand then. Away they went, leaving poor Mrs. Snow to bewail herselfdismally after she had smiled and nodded them out of sight. 

"Don't go over any bridges or railroad crossings or by any saw-mills, "said the old lady, as if the town could be suddenly remodelled to suither taste. 

"Yes'm, " returned Toady, with a crack which would have done honor to aFrench postilion. 

It was a fine day, and the young people would have enjoyed the ride inspite of the breakers ahead, if Aunt Kipp hadn't entertained thegirl with a glowing account of the splendors of her own wedding, andaggravated the boy by frequent pokes and directions in the art ofdriving, of which she was of course, profoundly ignorant. Pollycouldn't restrain a tear or two, in thinking of her own poor littleprospects, and Toady was goaded to desperation. 

"I'll give her a regular shaking up; it'll make her hold her tongueand do her good, " he said to himself, as a stony hill slopedtemptingly before him. 

A sly chuck, and some mysterious manoeuvre with the reins, and Bobstarted off at a brisk trot, as if he objected to the old lady as muchas her mischievous little nephew. 

"Hold him in! Keep a taut rein! Lord 'a mercy, he's running away!"shrieked Aunt Kipp, or tried to shriek, for the bouncing and bumpingjerked the words out of her mouth with ludicrous incoherency. 

"I am holding him, but he _will_ go, " said Toady, with a wickedtriumph in his eye as he glanced back at Polly. 

The next minute the words were quite true; for, as he spoke, two orthree distracted hens flew squalling over the wall and scatteredabout, under, over, and before the horse, as only distracted henscould do. It was too much for Bob's nerves; and, taking matters intohis own hands, or feet, rather, he broke into a run, and rattled theold lady over the stones with a velocity which left her speechless. 

Polly laughed, and Toady chuckled, as they caught glimpses of theawful bonnet vibrating wildly in the background, and felt the franticclutchings of the old lady's hands. But both grew sober as a shrillcar-whistle sounded not far off; and Bob, as if possessed by anevil spirit, turned suddenly into the road that led to the railroadcrossing. 

"That will do, Toady; now pull up, for we can't get over in time, "said Polly, glancing anxiously toward the rapidly approaching puffs ofwhite smoke. 

"I can't, Polly, --I really can't, " cried the boy, tugging with all hismight, and beginning to look scared. 

Polly lent her aid; but Bob scarcely seemed to feel it, for he hadbeen a racer once, and when his blood was up he was hard to handle. His own good sense might have checked him, if Aunt Kipp hadn'tunfortunately recovered her voice at this crisis, and uttered asuccession of the shrillest screams that ever saluted mortal ears. With a snort and a bound Bob dashed straight on toward the crossing, as the train appeared round the bend. 

"Let me out! Let me out! Jump! Jump!" shrieked Aunt Kipp, thrustingher head out of the window, while she fumbled madly for thedoor-handle. 

"O Toady, save us! save us!" gasped Polly, losing her presence ofmind, and dropping the reins to cling to her brother, with a woman'sinstinctive faith in the stronger sex. 

But Toady held on manfully, though his arms were nearly pulled off, for "Never say die, " was his motto, and the plucky little lad wouldn'tshow fear before the women. 

"Don't howl; we'll do it! Hi, Bob!" and with a savage slash of thewhip, an exciting cry, a terrible reeling and rattling, they _did_ doit; for Bob cleared the track at a breakneck pace, just in time forthe train to sweep swiftly by behind them. 

Aunt Kipp dropped in a heap, Polly looked up at her brother, with alook which he never forgot; and Toady tried to say, stoutly, "It's allright!" with lips that were white and dry in spite of himself. 

"We shall smash up at the bridge, " he muttered, as they tore throughthe town, where every one obligingly shouted, waved their hats, anddanced about on the sidewalks, doing nothing but add to Bob's frightand the party's danger. But Toady was wrong, --they did not smash up atthe bridge; for, before they reached the perilous spot, one man hadthe sense to fly straight at the horse's head and hold on till themomentary check enabled others to lend a hand. 

The instant they were safe, Polly, like a regular heroine, threwherself into the arms of her dishevelled preserver, who of course wasVan, and would have refreshed herself with hysterics if the sight ofToady hadn't steadied her. The boy sat as stiff and rigid as a woodenfigure till they took the reins from him; then all the strength seemedto go out of him, and he leaned against his sister, as white andtrembling as she, whispering with an irrepressible sob, --

"O Polly, wasn't it horrid? Tell mother I stood by you like a man. Dotell her that!"

If any one had had time or heart to laugh, they certainly would havedone it when, after much groping, heaving, and hoisting. Mrs. Kippwas extricated and restored to consciousness; for a more ludicrouslydeplorable spectacle was seldom seen. Quite unhurt, though muchshaken, the old lady insisted on believing herself to be dying, andkept the town in a ferment till three doctors had pronounced herperfectly well able to go home. Then the perversity of her natureinduced her to comply, that she might have the satisfaction of dyingon the way, and proving herself in the right. 

Unfortunately she did not expire, but, having safely arrived, went tobed in high dudgeon, and led Polly and her mother a sad life of it fortwo weary days. Having heard of Toady's gallant behavior, she solemnlyordered him up to receive her blessing. But the sight of Aunt Kipp'srubicund visage, surrounded by the stiff frills of an immensenightcap, caused the irreverent boy to explode with laughter in hishandkerchief, and to be hustled away by his mother before Aunt Kippdiscovered the true cause of his convulsed appearance. 

"Ah! poor dear, his feelings are too much for him. He sees my doomin my face, and is overcome by what you refuse to believe. I shan'tforget that boy's devotion. Now leave me to the meditations befittingthese solemn hours. "

Mrs. Snow retired, and Aunt Kipp tried to sleep; but the murmur ofvoices, and the sound of stifled laughter in the next room disturbedher repose. 

"They are rejoicing over my approaching end, knowing that I haven'tchanged my will. Mercenary creatures, don't exult too soon! there'stime yet, " she muttered; and presently, unable to control hercuriosity, she crept out of bed to listen and peep through thekeyhole. 

Van Bahr Lamb did look rather like a sheep. He had a blond curlyhead, a long face, pale, mild eyes, a plaintive voice, and a generalexpression of innocent timidity strongly suggestive of animatedmutton. But Baa-baa was a "trump, " as Toady emphatically declared, andthough every one laughed at him, every one liked him, and that ismore than can be said of many saints and sages. He adored Polly, wasdutifully kind to her mother, and had stood by T. Snow, Jr. , in manyan hour of tribulation with fraternal fidelity. Though he had longblushed, sighed, and cast sheep's eyes at the idol of his affections, only till lately had he dared to bleat forth his passion. Polly lovedhim because she couldn't help it; but she was proud, and wouldn'tmarry till Aunt Kipp's money was hers, or at least a sure prospectof it; and now even the prospect of a prospect was destroyed bythat irrepressible Toady. They were talking of this as the old ladysuspected, and of course the following conversation afforded herintense satisfaction. 

"It's a shame to torment us as she does, knowing how poor we are andhow happy a little of her money would make us. I'm tired of being aslave to a cruel old woman just because she's rich. If it was not formother, I declare I'd wash my hands of her entirely, and do the best Icould for myself. "

"Hooray for Polly! I always said let her money go and be jolly withoutit, " cried Toady, who, in his character of wounded hero, reposed witha lordly air on the sofa, enjoying the fragrance of the opodeldoc withwhich his strained wrists were bandaged. 

"It's on your account, children, that I bear with aunt's temper as Ido. I don't want anything for myself, but I really think she owes itto your dear father, who was devoted to her while he lived, to providefor his children when he couldn't;" after which remarkably spiritedspeech for her, Mrs. Snow dropped a tear, and stitched away on a smalltrouser-leg which was suffering from a complicated compound fracture. 

"Don't you worry about me, mother; I'll take care of myself and youtoo, " remarked Toady, with the cheery belief in impossibilities whichmakes youth so charming. 

"Now, Van, tell us what to do, for things have come to such a passthat we must either break away altogether or be galley-slaves as longas Aunt Kipp lives, " said Polly, who was a good deal excited about thematter. 

"Well, really, my dear, I don't know, " hesitated Van, who did knowwhat _he_ wanted, but thought it might be selfish to urge it. "Haveyou tried to soften your aunt's heart?" he asked, after a moment'smeditation. 

"Good gracious, Van, she hasn't got any, " cried Polly, who firmlybelieved it. 

"It's hossified, " thoughtfully remarked Toady, quite unconscious ofany approach to a joke till every one giggled. 

"You've had hossification enough for one while, my lad, " laughed Van. "Well, Polly, if the old lady has no heart you'd better let her go, for people without hearts are not worth much. "

"That's a beautiful remark, Van, and a wise one. I just wish she couldhear you make it, for she called you a fool, " said Polly, irefully. 

"Did she? Well, I don't mind, I'm used to it, " returned Van, placidly;and so he was, for Polly called him a goose every day of her life, andhe enjoyed it immensely. 

"Then you think, dear, if we stopped worrying about aunt and hermoney, and worked instead of waiting, that we shouldn't be any poorerand might be a great deal happier than we are now?" asked Polly, making a pretty little tableau as she put her hand through Van's armand looked up at him with as much love, respect, and reliance as if hehad been six feet tall, with the face of an Apollo and the manners ofa Chesterfield. 

"Yes, my dear, I do, for it has troubled me a good deal to see you sobadgered by that very uncomfortable old lady. Independence is a verynice thing, and poverty isn't half as bad as this sort of slavery. Butyou are not going to be poor, nor worry about anything. We'll just bemarried and take mother and Toady home and be as jolly as grigs, andnever think of Mrs. K. Again, --unless she loses her fortune, orgets sick, or comes to grief in any way. We'd lend her a hand then, wouldn't we, Polly?" and Van's mild face was pleasant to behold as hemade the kindly proposition. 

"Well, we'd think of it, " said Polly, trying not to relent, butfeeling that she was going very fast. 

"Let's do it!" cried Toady, fired with the thought of privy conspiracyand rebellion. "Mother would be so comfortable with Polly, andI'd help Van in the store, when I've learned that confoundedmultiplication table, " he added with a groan; "and if Aunt Kipp comesa visiting, we'll just say 'Not at home, ' and let her trot off again. "

"It sounds very nice, but aunt will be dreadfully offended and I don'twish to be ungrateful, " said Mrs. Snow, brightening visibly. 

"There's no ingratitude about it, " cried Van. "She might have doneeverything to make you love, and respect, and admire her, and been ahappy, useful, motherly, old soul; but she didn't choose to, and nowshe must take the consequences. No one cares for her, because shecares for nobody; her money's the plague of her life, and not a singleheart will ache when she dies. "

"Poor Aunt Kipp!" said Polly, softly. 

Mrs. Snow echoed the words, and for a moment all thought pitifully ofthe woman whose life had given so little happiness, whose age had wonso little reverence, and whose death would cause so little regret. Even Toady had a kind thought for her, as he broke the silence, sayingsoberly, --

"You'd better put tails on my jackets, mother; then the next time weget run away with, Aunt Kipp will have something to hold on by. "

It was impossible to help laughing at the recollection of the old ladyclutching at the boy till he had hardly a button left, and at thepaternal air with which he now proposed a much-desired change ofcostume, as if intent on Aunt Kipp's future accommodation. 

Under cover of the laugh, the old lady stole back to bed, wide awake, and with subjects enough to meditate upon now. The shaking up hadcertainly done her good, for somehow the few virtues she possessedcame to the surface, and the mental shower-bath just received hadproduced a salutary change. Polly wouldn't have doubted her aunt'spossession of a heart, if she could have known the pain and lonelinessthat made it ache, as the old woman crept away; and Toady wouldn'thave laughed if he had seen the tears on the face, between the bigfrills, as Aunt Kipp laid it on the pillow, muttering, drearily, --

"I might have been a happy, useful woman, but I didn't choose to, andnow it's too late. "

It _was_ too late to be all she might have been, for the work ofseventy selfish years couldn't be undone in a minute. But with regret, rose the sincere wish to earn a little love before the end came, andthe old perversity gave a relish to the reformation, for even whileshe resolved to do the just and generous thing, she said to herself, --

"They say I've got no heart; I'll show 'em that I have: they don'twant my money; I'll _make_ 'em take it: they turn their backs on me;I'll just render myself so useful and agreeable that they can't dowithout me. "

III

Aunt Kipp sat bolt upright in the parlor, hemming a smallhandkerchief, adorned with a red ship, surrounded by a border ofgreen monkeys. Toady suspected that this elegant article of dress wasintended for him, and yearned to possess it; so, taking advantage ofhis mother's and Polly's absence, he strolled into the room, and, seating himself on a high, hard chair, folded his hands, crossed hislegs, and asked for a story with the thirsting-for-knowledge air whichlittle boys wear in the moral story-books. 

Now Aunt Kipp had one soft place in her heart, though it _was_partially ossified, as she very truly declared, and Toady wasenshrined therein. She thought there never was such a child, and lovedhim as she had done his father before him, though the rack wouldn'thave forced her to confess it. She scolded, snubbed, and predictedhe'd come to a bad end in public; but she forgave his naughtiestpranks, always brought him something when she came, and privatelyintended to make his future comfortable with half of her fortune. There was a dash and daring, a generosity and integrity, about thelittle fellow, that charmed her. Sophy was weak and low-spirited, Polly pretty and headstrong, and Aunt Kipp didn't think much of eitherof them; but Toady defied, distracted, and delighted her, and to Toadyshe clung, as the one sunshiny thing in her sour, selfish old age. 

When he made his demure request, she looked at him, and her eyes beganto twinkle, for the child's purpose was plainly seen in the lovingglances cast upon the pictorial pocket-handkerchief. 

"A story? Yes, I'll tell you one about a little boy who had a kindold--ahem!--grandma. She was rich, and hadn't made up her mind who she'dleave her money to. She was fond of the boy, --a deal fonder than hedeserved, --for he was as mischievous a monkey as any that ever livedin a tree, with a curly tail. He put pepper in her snuff-box, "--hereToady turned scarlett, --"he cut up her bestt frisette to make a manefor his rocking-horse, "--Toady opened his mouth impulsively, but shutit again without betraying himself--"he repeated rude things to her, and called her 'an old aggrewater, '"--here Toady wriggled in hischair, and gave a little gasp. 

"If you are tired I won't go on, " observed Aunt Kipp, mildly. 

"I'm not tired, 'm; it's a very interesting story, " replied Toady, with a gravity that nearly upset the old lady. 

"Well, in spite of all this, that kind, good, forgiving grandma leftthat bad boy twenty thousand dollars when she died. What do you thinkof that?" asked Aunt Kipp, pausing suddenly with her sharp eye on him. 

"I--I think she was a regular dear, " cried Toady, holding on to thechair with both hands, as if that climax rather took him off his legs. 

"And what did the boy do about it?" continued Aunt Kipp, curiously. 

"He bought a velocipede, and gave his sister half, and paid hismother's rent, and put a splendid marble cherakin over the old lady, and had a jolly good time, and--"

"What in the world is a cherakin?" laughed Aunt Kipp, as Toady pausedfor breath. 

"Why, don't you know? It's a angel crying, or pointing up, or flappinghis wings. They have them over graves; and I'll give you the biggestone I can find when you die. But I'm not in a _very_ great hurry tohave you. "

"Thankee, dear; I'm in no hurry, myself. But, Toady, the boy did wrongin giving his sister half; she didn't deserve _any_; and the grandmaleft word she wasn't to have a penny of it. "

"Really?" cried the boy, with a troubled face. 

"Yes, really. If he gave her any he lost it all; the old lady said so. Now what do you think?" asked Aunt Kipp, who found it impossible topardon Polly, --perhaps because she was young, and pretty, and muchbeloved. 

Toady's eyes kindled, and his red cheeks grew redder still, as hecried out defiantly, --

"I think she was a selfish pig, --don't you?"

"No, I don't, sir; and I'm sure that little boy wasn't such a fool asto lose the money. He minded his grandma's wishes, and kept it all. "

"No, he didn't, " roared Toady, tumbling off his chair in greatexcitement. "He just threw it out a winder, and smashed the oldcherakin all to bits. "

Aunt Kipp dropped her work with a shrill squeak, for she thought theboy was dangerous, as he stood before her, sparring away at nothing asthe only vent for his indignation. 

"It isn't an interesting story, " he cried; "and I won't hear any more;and I won't have your money if I mayn't go halves with Polly; and I'llwork to earn more than that, and we'll all be jolly together, and youmay give your twenty thousand to the old rag-bags, and so I tell you, Aunt Kipp. "

"Why, Toady, my boy, what's the matter?" cried a mild voice at thedoor, as young Lamb came trotting up to the rescue. 

"Never you mind, Baa-baa; I shan't do it; and it's a mean shame Pollycan't have half; then she could marry you and be so happy, " blubberedToady, running to try to hide his tears of disappointment in thecoat-skirts of his friend. 

"Mr. Lamb, I suppose you _are_ that misguided young man?" said AuntKipp, as if it was a personal insult to herself. 

"Van Bahr Lamb, ma'am, if you please. Yes, thank you, " murmuredBaa-Baa, bowing, blushing, and rumpling his curly fleece in bashfultrepidation. 

"Don't thank me, " cried the old lady. "I'm not going to give youanything, --far from it. I object to you altogether. What business haveyou to come courting my niece?"

"Because I love her, ma'am, " returned Van, with unexpected spirit. 

"No, you don't; you want her money, or rather my money. She dependson it; but you'll both be disappointed, for she won't have a penny ofit, " cried Aunt Kipp, who, in spite of her good resolutions, found itimpossible to be amiable all at once. 

"I'm glad of it!" burst out Van, indignant at her accusation. "Ididn't want Polly for the money; I always doubted if she got it; and Inever wished her to make herself a slave to anybody. I've got enoughfor all, if we're careful; and when my share of the Van Bahr propertycomes, we shall live in clover. "

"What's that? What property are you talking of?" demanded Aunt Kipp, pricking up her ears. 

"The great Van Bahr estate, ma'am. There has been a long lawsuit aboutit, but it's nearly settled, and there isn't much doubt that we shallget it. I am the last of our branch, and my share will be a largeone. "

"Oh, indeed! I wish you joy, " said Aunt Kipp, with sudden affability;for she adored wealth, like a few other persons in the world. "Butsuppose you don't get it, how then?"

"Then I shall try to be contented with my salary of two thousand, andmake Polly as happy as I can. Money doesn't _always_ make people happyor agreeable, I find. " And Van looked at Aunt Kipp in a way that wouldhave made her hair stand erect if she had possessed any. She staredat him a moment, then, obeying one of the odd whims that made anirascible weathercock of her, she said, abruptly, --

"If you had capital should you go into business for yourself, Mr. Lambkin?"

"Yes, ma'am, at once, " replied Van, promptly. 

"Suppose you lost the Van Bahr money, and some one offered you a tidylittle sum to start with, would you take it?"

"It would depend upon who made the offer, ma'am, " said Van, lookingmore like a sheep than ever, as he stood staring in blank surprise. 

"Suppose it was me, wouldn't you take it?" asked Aunt Kipp, blandly, for the new fancy pleased her. 

"No, thank you, ma'am, " said Van, decidedly. 

"And why not, pray?" cried the old lady, with a shrillness that madehim jump, and Toady back to the door precipitately. 

"Because, if you'll excuse my speaking plainly, I think you oweanything you may have to spare to your niece, Mrs. Snow;" and, havingfreed his mind, Van joined Toady, ready to fly if necessary. 

"You're an idiot, sir, " began Aunt Kipp, in a rage again. 

"Thank you, ma'am. " And Van actually laughed and bowed in return forthe compliment. 

"Hold your tongue, sir, " snapped the old lady. "You're a fool andSophy is another. She's no strength of mind, no sense about anything;and would make ducks and drakes of my money in less than no time if Igave it to her, as I've thought of doing. "

"Mrs. Kipp, you forget who you are speaking to. Mrs. Snow's sons loveand respect her if you don't, and they won't hear anything untrueor unkind said of a good woman, a devoted mother, and an almostfriendless widow. "

Van wasn't a dignified man at all, but as he said that with a suddenflash of his mild eyes, there was something in his face and mannerthat daunted Aunt Kipp more than the small fist belligerently shakenat her from behind the sofa. The poor old soul was cross, and worried, and ashamed of herself, and being as feeble-minded as Sophy in manyrespects, she suddenly burst into tears, and, covering her face withthe gay handkerchief, cried as if bent on floating the red ship in asea of salt water without delay. 

"I'm a poor, lonely, abused old woman, " she moaned, with a greenmonkey at each eye. "No one loves me, or minds me, or thanks me whenI want to help 'em. My money's only a worryment and a burden, and Idon't know what to do with it, for people I don't want to leave it toought to have it, and people I do like won't take it. Oh, deary me, what _shall_ I do! what shall I do!"

"Shall I tell you, ma'am?" asked Van, gently, for, though she was avery provoking old lady, he pitied and wished to help her. 

A nod and a gurgle seemed to give consent, and, boldly advancing, Vansaid, with blush and a stammer, but a very hearty voice, --

"I think, ma'am, if you'd do the right thing with your money you'd beat ease and find it saved a deal of worry all round. Give it to Mrs. Snow; she deserves it, poor lady, for she's had a hard time, and doneher duty faithfully. Don't wait till you are--that is, till you--well, till you in point of fact die, ma'am. Give it now, and enjoy thehappiness it will make. Give it kindly, let them see you're glad todo it, and I am sure you'll find them grateful; I'm sure you won't belonely any more, or feel that you are not loved and thanked. Try it, ma'am, just try it, " cried Van, getting excited by the picture hedrew. "And I give you my word I'll do my best to respect and love youlike a son, ma'am. "

He knew that he was promising a great deal, but for Polly's sake hefelt that he could make even that Herculean effort. Aunt Kipp wassurprised and touched; but the contrary old lady couldn't make up hermind to yield so soon, and wouldn't have done it if Toady hadn't takenher by storm. Having a truly masculine horror of tears, a very tenderheart under his tailless jacket, and being much "tumbled up and downin his own mind" by the events of the week, the poor little lad feltnerved to attempt any novel enterprise, even that of voluntarilyembracing Aunt Kipp. First a grimy little hand came on her shoulder, as she sat sniffing behind the handkerchief; then, peeping out, shesaw an apple-cheeked face very near her own, with eyes full of pity, penitence, and affection; and then she heard a choky little voice sayearnestly, --

"Don't cry, aunty; I'm sorry I was rude. Please be good to Mother andPolly, and I'll love and take care of you, and stand by you all mylife. Yes, I'll--I'll _kiss_ you, I will, by George!" And with onepromiscuous plunge the Spartan boy cast himself into her arms. 

That finished Aunt Kipp; she hugged him dose, and cried out with asalute that went off like a pistol-shot, --

"Oh, my dear, my dear! this is better than a dozen cherakins!"

When Toady emerged, somewhat flushed and tumbled, Mrs. Snow, Polly, and Van were looking on with faces full of wonder, doubt, andsatisfaction. To be an object of interest was agreeable to AuntKipp; and, as her old heart was really softened, she met them with agracious smile, and extended the olive-branch generally. 

"Sophy, I shall give my money to _you_ at once and entirely, onlyasking that you'll let me stay with you when Polly's gone. I'll do mybest to be agreeable, and you'll bear with me because I'm a cranky, solitary old woman, and I loved your husband. "

Mrs. Snow hugged her on the spot, and gushed, of course, murmuringthanks, welcomes, and promises in one grateful burst. 

"Polly, I forgive you; I consent to your marriage, and will provideyour wedding finery. Mr. Lamb, you are not a fool, but a veryexcellent young man. I thank you for saving my life, and I wish youwell with all my heart. You needn't say anything. I'm far from strong, and all this agitation is shortening my life. "

Polly and Van shook her hand heartily, and beamed upon each other likea pair of infatuated turtle-doves with good prospects. 

"Toady, you are as near an angel as a boy can be. Put a name towhatever you most wish for in the world, and it's yours, " said AuntKipp, dramatically waving the rest away. 

With his short legs wide apart, his hands behind him, and his rosyface as round and radiant as a rising sun, Toady stood before the firesurveying the scene with the air of a man who has successfully carriedthrough a difficult and dangerous undertaking, and wasn't proud. Hisface brightened, then fell, as he heaved a sigh, and answered, with ashake of his curly head, --

"You can't give me what I want most. There are three things, and I'vegot to wait for them all. "

"Gracious me, what are they?" cried the old lady, good-naturedly, forshe felt better already. 

"A mustache, a beaver, _and_ a sweetheart, " answered Toady, with hiseyes fixed wistfully on Baa-baa, who possessed all these blessings, and was particularly enjoying the latter at that moment. 

How Aunt Kipp did laugh at this early budding of romance in herpet! And all the rest joined her, for Toady's sentimental air wasirresistible. 

"You precocious chick! I dare say you will have them all before weknow where we are. Never mind, deary; you shall have my little watch, and the silver-headed cane with a _boar's_ head on it, " answered theold lady, in high good-humor. "You needn't blush, dear; I don't bearmalice; so let's forget and forgive. I shall settle things to-morrow, and have a free mind. You are welcome to my money, and I hope I shalllive to see you all enjoy it. "

So she did; for she lived to see Sophy plump, cheery, and care-free;Polly surrounded by a flock of Lambkins; Van in possession of agenerous slice of the Van Bahr fortune; Toady revelling in the objectsof his desire; and, best of all, she lived to find that it is nevertoo late to make oneself useful, happy, and beloved. 

PSYCHE'S ART

"Handsome is that handsome does. "

I

Once upon a time there raged in a certain city one of thosefashionable epidemics which occasionally attack our youthfulpopulation. It wasn't the music mania, nor gymnastic convulsions, northat wide-spread malady, croquet. Neither was it one of the new danceswhich, like a tarantula-bite, set every one a twirling, nor stagemadness, nor yet that American lecturing influenza which yearly sweepsover the land. No, it was a new disease called the Art fever, and itattacked the young women of the community with great violence. 

Nothing but time could cure it, and it ran its course to the dismay, amusement, or edification of the beholders, for its victims did allmanner of queer things in their delirium. They begged potteriesfor clay, drove Italian plaster-corkers out of their wits withunexecutable orders got neuralgia and rheumatism sketching perched onfences and trees like artistic hens, and caused a rise in the price ofbread, paper, and charcoal, by their ardor in crayoning. They coveredcanvas with the expedition of scene-painters, had classes, lectures, receptions, and exhibitions, made models of each other, and renderedtheir walls hideous with bad likenesses of all their friends. Theirconversation ceased to be intelligible to the uninitiated, and theyprattled prettily of "chiaro oscuro, French sauce, refraction of theangle of the eye, seventh spinus process, depth and juiciness ofcolor, tender touch, and a good tone. " Even in dress the artisticdisorder was visible; some cast aside crinoline altogether, andstalked about with a severe simplicity of outline worthy of Flaxman. Others flushed themselves with scarlet, that no landscape which theyadorned should be without some touch of Turner's favorite tint. Somewere _blue_ in every sense of the word, and the heads of all wereadorned with classic braids, curls tied Hebe-wise, or hair dressed ala hurricane. 

It was found impossible to keep them safe at home, and, as the fevergrew, these harmless maniacs invaded the sacred retreats where artistsof the other sex did congregate, startling those anchorites withvisions of large-eyed damsels bearing portfolios in hands delicatelybegrimed with crayon, chalk, and clay, gliding through the corridorshitherto haunted only by shabby paletots, shadowy hats, and cigarsmoke. This irruption was borne with manly fortitude, not to saycheerfulness, for studio doors stood hospitably open as the fairinvaders passed, and studies from life were generously offered them inglimpses of picturesque gentlemen posed before easels, brooding overmaster-pieces in "a divine despair, " or attitudinizing upon couches asif exhausted by the soarings of genius. 

An atmosphere of romance began to pervade the old buildings when thegirls came, and nature and art took turns. There were peepings andwhisperings, much stifled laughter and whisking in and out; not tomention the accidental rencontres, small services, and eye telegrams, which somewhat lightened the severe studies of all parties. 

Half a dozen young victims of this malady met daily in one of thecells of a great art beehive called "Raphael's Rooms, " and devotedtheir shining hours to modelling fancy heads, gossiping the while; forthe poor things found the road to fame rather dull and dusty withoutsuch verbal sprinklings. 

"Psyche Dean, you've had an adventure! I see it in your face; so tellit at once, for we are stupid as owls here to-day, " cried one of thesisterhood, as a bright-eyed girl entered with some precipitation. 

"I dropped my portfolio, and a man picked it up, that's all. " repliedPsyche, hurrying on her gray linen pinafore. 

"That won't do; I know something interesting happened, for you've beenblushing, and you look brisker than usual this morning, " said thefirst speaker, polishing off the massive nose of her Homer. 

"It wasn't anything, " began Psyche a little reluctantly. "I was comingup in a hurry when I ran against a man coming down in a hurry. Myportfolio slipped, and my papers went flying all about the landing. Ofcourse we both laughed and begged pardon, and I began to pick themup, but he wouldn't let me; so I held the book while he collected thesketches. I saw him glance at them as he did so, and that made meblush, for they are wretched things, you know. "

"Not a bit of it; they are capital, and you are a regular genius, aswe all agree, " cut in the Homeric Miss Cutter. 

"Never tell people they are geniuses unless you wish to spoil them, "returned Psyche severely. "Well, when the portfolio was put to rightsI was going on, but he fell to picking up a little bunch of violetsI had dropped; you know I always wear a posy into town to give meinspiration. I didn't care for the dusty flowers, and told him so, andhurried away before any one came. At the top of the stairs I peepedover the railing, and there he was, gathering up every one of thosehalf-dead violets as carefully as if they had been tea-roses. "

"Psyche Dean, you have met your fate this day!" exclaimed a thirddamsel, with straw-colored tresses, and a good deal of weedy shrubberyin her hat, which gave an Ophelia-like expression to her sentimentalcountenance. 

Psyche frowned and shook her head, as if half sorry she had told herlittle story. 

"Was he handsome?" asked Miss Larkins, the believer in fate. 

"I didn't particularly observe. "

"It was the red-headed man, whom we call Titian: he's always on thestairs. "

"No, it wasn't; his hair was brown and curly, " cried Psyche, innocently falling into the trap. 

"Like Peerybingle's baby when its cap was taken off, " quoted MissDickenson, who pined to drop the last two letters of her name. 

"Was it Murillo, the black-eyed one?" asked the fair Cutter, for thegirls had a name for all the attitudinizers and promenaders whom theyoftenest met. 

"No, he had gray eyes, and very fine ones they were too, " answeredPsyche, adding, as if to herself, "he looked as I imagine MichaelAngelo might have looked when young. "

"Had he a broken nose, like the great Mike?" asked an irreverentdamsel. 

"If he had, no one would mind it, for his head is splendid; he tookhis hat off, so I had a fine view. He isn't handsome, but he'll _do_something, " said Psyche, prophetically, as she recalled the strong, ambitious face which she had often observed, but never mentionedbefore. 

"Well, dear, considering that you didn't 'particularly look' at theman, you've given us a very good idea of his appearance. We'll callhim Michael Angelo, and he shall be your idol. I prefer stout oldRembrandt myself, and Larkie adores that dandified Raphael, " said thelively Cutter, slapping away at Homer's bald pate energetically, asshe spoke. 

"Raphael is a dear, but Rubens is more to my taste now, " returned MissLarkins. "He was in the hall yesterday talking with Sir Joshua, whohad his inevitable umbrella, like a true Englishman. Just as I cameup, the umbrella fell right before me. I started back; Sir Joshualaughed, but Rubens said, 'Deuce take it!' and caught up the umbrella, giving me a never-to-be-forgotten look. It was perfectly thrilling. "

"Which, --the umbrella, the speech, or the look?" asked Psyche, who wasnot sentimental. 

"Ah, you have no soul for art in nature, and nature in art, " sighedthe amber-tressed Larkins. "I have, for I feed upon a glance, a tint, a curve, with exquisite delight. Rubens is adorable (_as a study_);that lustrous eye, that night of hair, that sumptuous cheek, areperfect. He only needs a cloak, lace collar, and slouching hat to bethe genuine thing. "

"This isn't the genuine thing by any means. What _does_ it need?" saidPsyche, looking with a despondent air at the head on her stand. 

Many would have pronounced it a clever thing; the nose was strictlyGreek, the chin curved upward gracefully, the mouth was sweetlyhaughty, the brow classically smooth and low, and the breezy hair welldone. But something was wanting; Psyche felt that, and could havetaken her Venus by the dimpled shoulders, and given her a heartyshake, if that would have put strength and spirit into the lifelessface. 

"Now _I_ am perfectly satisfied with my Apollo, though you all insistthat it is the image of Theodore Smythe. He says so himself, andassures me it will make a sensation when we exhibit, " remarked MissLarkins, complacently caressing the ambrosial locks of her SmythifiedPhebus. 

"What shall you do if it does not?" asked Miss Cutter, with elegance. 

"I shall feel that I have mistaken my sphere, shall drop my tools, veil my bust, and cast myself into the arms of Nature, since Artrejects me;" replied Miss Larkins, with a tragic gesture and anexpression which strongly suggested that in her eyes nature meantTheodore. 

"She must have capacious arms if she is to receive all Art's rejectedadmirers. Shall I be one of them?"

Psyche put the question to herself as she turned to work, but somehowambitious aspirations were not in a flourishing condition thatmorning; her heart was not in tune, and head and hands sympathized. Nothing went well, for certain neglected home-duties had doggedher into town, and now worried her more than dust, or heat, or theceaseless clatter of tongues. Tom, Dick, and Harry's unmended hosepersisted in dancing a spectral jig before her mental eye, mother'squerulous complaints spoilt the song she hummed to cheer herself, andlittle May's wistful face put the goddess of beauty entirely out ofcountenance. 

"It's no use; I can't work till the clay is wet again. Where isGiovanni?" she asked, throwing down her tools with a petulant gestureand a dejected air. 

"He is probably playing truant in the empty upper rooms, as usual. Ican't wait for him any longer, so I'm doing his work myself, " answeredMiss Dickenson, who was tenderly winding a wet bandage round herJuno's face, one side of which was so much plumper than the other thatit looked as if the Queen of Olympus was being hydropathically treatedfor a severe fit of ague. 

"I'll go and find the little scamp; a run will do me good; so will abreath of air and a view of the park from the upper windows. "

Doffing her apron, Psyche strolled away up an unfrequented staircaseto the empty apartments, which seemed to be too high even for thelovers of High Art. On the western side they were shady and cool, and, leaning from one of the windows, Psyche watched the feathery tree-topsruffled by the balmy wind, that brought spring odors from the hills, lying green and sunny far away. Silence and solitude were suchpleasant companions that the girl forgot herself, till a shrillwhistle disturbed her day-dreams, and reminded her what she came for. Following the sound she found the little Italian errand-boy busilyuncovering a clay model which stood in the middle of a scantilyfurnished room near by. 

"He is not here; come and look; it is greatly beautiful, " criedGiovanni, beckoning with an air of importance. 

Psyche did look and speedily forgot both her errand and herself. Itwas the figure of a man, standing erect, and looking straightbefore him with a wonderfully lifelike expression. It was neither amythological nor a historical character, Psyche thought, and was gladof it, being tired to death of gods and heroes. She soon ceased towonder what it was, feeling only the indescribable charm of somethinghigher than beauty. Small as her knowledge was, she could see andenjoy the power visible in every part of it; the accurate anatomy ofthe vigorous limbs, the grace of the pose, the strength and spirit inthe countenance, clay though it was. A majestic figure, but the spelllay in the face, which, while it suggested the divine, was full ofhuman truth and tenderness, for pain and passion seemed to have passedover it, and a humility half pathetic, a courage half heroic seemed tohave been born from some great loss or woe. 

How long she stood there Psyche did not know. Giovanni went awayunseen, to fill his water-pail, and in the silence she just stood andlooked. Her eyes kindled, her color rose, despondency and discontentvanished, and her soul was in her face, for she loved beautypassionately, and all that was best and truest in her did honor to thegenius of the unknown worker. 

"If I could do a thing like that, I'd die happy!" she exclaimedimpetuously, as a feeling of despair came over her at the thought ofher own poor attempts. 

"Who did it, Giovanni?" she asked, still looking up at the grand facewith unsatisfied eyes. 

"Paul Gage. "

It was not the boy's voice, and, with a start, Psyche turned to seeher Michael Angelo, standing in the doorway, attentively observingher. Being too full of artless admiration to think of herself justyet, she neither blushed nor apologized, but looked straight at him, saying heartily, --

"You have done a wonderful piece of work, and I envy you more than Ican tell!"

The enthusiasm in her face, the frankness of her manner, seemed toplease him, for there was no affectation about either. He gave her akeen, kind glance out of the "fine gray eyes, " a little bow, and agrateful smile, saying quietly, --"Then my Adam is not a failure inspite of his fall?"

Psyche turned from the sculptor to his model with increased admirationin her face, and earnestness in her voice, as she exclaimeddelighted, --

"Adam! I might have known it was he. O sir, you have indeed succeeded, for you have given that figure the power and pathos of the first manwho sinned and suffered, and began again. "

"Then I am satisfied. " That was all he said, but the look he gave hiswork was a very eloquent one, for it betrayed that he had paid theprice of success in patience and privation, labor and hope. 

"What can one do to learn your secret?" asked the girl wistfully, forthere was nothing in the man's manner to disturb her self-forgetfulmood, but much to foster it, because to the solitary worker thisconfiding guest was as welcome as the doves who often hopped in at hiswindow. 

"Work and wait, and meantime feed heart, soul, and imagination withthe best food one can get, " he answered slowly, finding it impossibleto give a receipt for genius. 

"I can work and wait a long time to gain my end; but I don't knowwhere to find the food you speak of?" she answered, looking at himlike a hungry child. 

"I wish I could tell you, but each needs different fare, and each mustlook for it in different places. "

The kindly tone and the sympathizing look, as well as the lines in hisforehead, and a few gray hairs among the brown, gave Psyche courage tosay more. 

"I love beauty so much that I not only want to possess it myself, but to gain the power of seeing it in all things, and the art ofreproducing it with truth. I have tried very hard to do it, butsomething is wanting; and in spite of my intense desire I never geton. "

As she spoke the girl's eyes filled and fell in spite of herself, andturning a little with sudden shamefacedness she saw, lying on thetable beside her among other scraps in manuscript and print, thewell-known lines, --

 "I slept, and dreamed that life was beauty; I woke, and found that life was duty. Was thy dream then a shadowy lie? Toil on, sad heart, courageously, And thou shall find thy dream to be A noonday light and truth to thee. "

She knew them at a glance, had read them many times, but now they camehome to her with sudden force, and, seeing that his eye had followedhers, she said in her impulsive fashion. --

"Is doing one's duty a good way to feed heart, soul, and imagination?"

As if he had caught a glimpse of what was going on in her mind, Paulanswered emphatically, --

"Excellent; for if one is good, one is happy, and if happy, one canwork well. Moulding character is the highest sort of sculpture, andall of us should learn that art before we touch clay or marble. "

He spoke with the energy of a man who believed what he said, and didhis best to be worthy of the rich gift bestowed upon him. The sightof her violets in a glass of water, and Giovanni staring at her withround eyes, suddenly recalled Psyche to a sense of the proprietieswhich she had been innocently outraging for the last ten minutes. Asort of panic seized her; she blushed deeply, retreated precipitatelyto the door, and vanished, murmuring thanks and apologies as she went. 

"Did you find him? I thought you had forgotten, " said Miss Dickenson, now hard at work. 

"Yes, I found him. No, I shall not forget, " returned Psyche, thinkingof Gage, not Giovanni. 

She stood before her work eying it intently for several minutes; then, with an expression of great contempt for the whole thing, she suddenlytilted her cherished Venus on to the floor, gave the classical facea finishing crunch, and put on her hat in a decisive manner, sayingbriefly to the dismayed damsels, --

"Good-by, girls; I shan't come any more, for I'm going to work at homehereafter. "

II

The prospect of pursuing artistic studies at home was not brilliant, as one may imagine when I mention that Psyche's father was a painfullyprosaic man, wrapt in flannel, so to speak; for his woollen mills lefthim no time for anything but sleep, food, and newspapers. Mrs. Deanwas one of those exasperating women who pervade their mansions likea domestic steam-engine one week and take to their sofas the next, absorbed by fidgets and foot-stoves, shawls and lamentations. Therewere three riotous and robust young brothers, whom it is unnecessaryto describe except by stating that they were _boys_ in the broadestsense of that delightful word. There was a feeble little sister, whosepatient, suffering face demanded constant love and care to mitigatethe weariness of a life of pain. And last, but not least by any means, there were two Irish ladies, who, with the best intentions imaginable, produced a universal state of topsy-turviness when left to themselvesfor a moment. 

But being very much in earnest about doing her duty, not because it_was_ her duty, but as a means toward an end, Psyche fell to work witha will, hoping to serve both masters at once. So she might have done, perhaps, if flesh and blood had been as plastic as clay, but the livemodels were so exacting in their demands upon her time and strength, that the poor statues went to the wall. Sculpture and sewing, callsand crayons, Ruskin and receipt-books, didn't work well together, andpoor Psyche found duties and desires desperately antagonistic. Take aday as a sample. 

"The washing and ironing are well over, thank goodness, mother quiet, the boys out of the way, and May comfortable, so I'll indulge myselfin a blissful day after my own heart, " Psyche said, as she shutherself into her little studio, and prepared to enjoy a few hours ofhard study and happy day-dreams. 

With a book on her lap, and her own round white arm going through allmanner of queer evolutions, she was placidly repeating, "Deltoides, Biceps, Triceps, Pronator, Supinator, Palmanis, Flexor carpiulnaris--"

"Here's Flexis what-you-call-ums for you, " interrupted a voice, whichbegan in a shrill falsetto and ended in a gruff bass, as a flushed, dusty, long-legged boy burst in, with a bleeding hand obliginglyextended for inspection. 

"Mercy on us, Harry! what have you done to yourself now? Split yourfingers with a cricket-ball again?" cried Psyche, as her arms went upand her book went down. 

"I just thrashed one of the fellows because he got mad and said fatherwas going to fail. "

"O Harry, is he?"

"Of course he isn't! It's hard times for every one, but father willpull through all right. No use to try and explain it all; girls can'tunderstand business; so you just tie me up, and don't worry, " was thecharacteristic reply of the young man, who, being three years herjunior, of course treated the weaker vessel with lordly condescension. 

"What a dreadful wound! I hope nothing is broken, for I haven'tstudied the hand much yet, and may do mischief doing it up, " saidPsyche, examining the great grimy paw with tender solicitude. 

"Much good your biceps, and deltoids, and things do you, if you can'tright up a little cut like that, " squeaked the ungrateful hero. 

"I'm not going to be a surgeon, thank heaven; I intend to makeperfect hands and arms, not mend damaged ones, " retorted Psyche, in adignified tone, somewhat marred by a great piece of court-plaster onher tongue. 

"I should say a surgeon could improve _that_ perfect thing, if hedidn't die a-laughing before he began, " growled Harry, pointing witha scornful grin at a clay arm humpy with muscles, all carefullydeveloped in the wrong places. 

"Don't sneer, Hal, for you don't know anything about it. Wait a fewyears and see if you're not proud of me. "

"Sculp away and do something, then I'll hurrah for your mud-pieslike a good one;" with which cheering promise the youth left, havingeffectually disturbed his sister's peaceful mood. 

Anxious thoughts of her father rendered "biceps, deltoids, and things"uninteresting, and hoping to compose her mind, she took up The OldPainters and went on with the story of Claude Lorraine. She had justreached the tender scene where, --

"Calista gazed with enthusiasm, while she looked like a being ofheaven rather than earth. 'My friend, ' she cried, 'I read in thypicture thy immortality!' As she spoke, her head sunk upon his bosom, and it was several moments before Claude perceived that he supported alifeless form. "

"How sweet!" said Psyche, with a romantic sigh. 

"Faith, and swate it is, thin!" echoed Katy, whose red head had justappeared round the half opened door. "It's gingy-bread I'm making theday, miss, and will I be puttin' purlash or sallyrathis into it, if yeplase?"

"Purlash, by all means, " returned the girl, keeping her countenance, fearing to enrage Katy by a laugh; for the angry passions of thered-haired one rose more quickly than her bread. 

As she departed with alacrity to add a spoonful of starch and a pinchof whiting to her cake, Psyche, feeling better for her story and hersmile, put on her bib and paper cap and fell to work on the deformedarm. An hour of bliss, then came a ring at the door-bell, followed byBiddy to announce callers, and add that as "the mistress was in herbed, miss must go and take care of 'em. " Whereat "miss" cast down hertools in despair, threw her cap one way, her bib another, and went into her guests with anything but a rapturous welcome. 

Dinner being accomplished after much rushing up and down stairs withtrays and messages for Mrs. Dean, Psyche fled again to her studio, ordering no one to approach under pain of a scolding. All went welltill, going in search of something, she found her little sistersitting on the floor with her cheek against the studio door. 

"I didn't mean to be naughty, Sy, but mother is asleep, and the boysall gone, so I just came to be near you; it's so lonely everywhere, "she said, apologetically, as she lifted up the heavy head that alwaysached. 

"The boys are very thoughtless. Come in and stay with me; you are sucha mouse you won't disturb me. Wouldn't you like to play be a model andlet me draw your arm, and tell you all about the nice little bones andmuscles?" asked Psyche, who had the fever very strong upon her justthen. 

May didn't look as if the proposed amusement overwhelmed her withdelight, but meekly consented to be perched upon a high stool withone arm propped up by a dropsical plaster cherub, while Psyche drewbusily, feeling that duty and pleasure were being delightfullycombined. 

"Can't you hold your arm still, child? It shakes so I can't get itright, " she said, rather impatiently. 

"No, it will tremble 'cause it's weak. I try hard, Sy, but theredoesn't seem to be much strongness in me lately. "

"That's better; keep it so a few minutes and I'll be done, " cried theartist, forgetting that a few minutes may seem ages. 

"My arm is so thin you can see the bunches nicely, --can't you?"

"Yes, dear. "

Psyche glanced up at the wasted limb, and when she drew again therewas a blur before her eyes for a minute. 

"I wish I was as fat as this white boy; but I get thinner every daysomehow, and pretty soon there won't be any of me left but my littlebones, " said the child, looking at the winged cherub with sorrowfulenvy. 

"Don't, my darling; don't say that, " cried Psyche, dropping her workwith a sudden pang at her heart. "I'm a sinful, selfish girl to keepyou here! you're weak for want of air; come out and see the chickens, and pick dandelions, and have a good romp with the boys. "

The weak arms were strong enough to clasp Psyche's neck, and the tiredface brightened beautifully as the child exclaimed, with gratefuldelight, --

"Oh, I'd like it very much! I wanted to go dreadfully; but everybodyis so busy all the time. I don't want to play, Sy; but just to lie onthe grass with my head in your lap while you tell stories and draw mepretty things as you used to. "

The studio was deserted all that afternoon, for Psyche sat in theorchard drawing squirrels on the wall, pert robins hopping by, buttercups and mosses, elves and angels; while May lay contentedlyenjoying sun and air, sisterly care, and the "pretty things" she lovedso well. Psyche did not find the task a hard one; for this time herheart was in it, and if she needed any reward she surely found it; forthe little face on her knee lost its weary look, and the peace andbeauty of nature soothed her own troubled spirit, cheered her heart, and did her more good than hours of solitary study. 

Finding, much to her own surprise, that her fancy was teeming withlovely conceits, she did hope for a quiet evening. But mother wanted abit of gossip, father must have his papers read to him, the boys hadlessons and rips and grievances to be attended to, May's lullaby couldnot be forgotten, and the maids had to be looked after, lest burly"cousins" should be hidden in the boiler, or lucifer matches amongthe shavings. So Psyche's day ended, leaving her very tired, ratherdiscouraged, and almost heart-sick with the shadow of a coming sorrow. 

All summer she did her best, but accomplished very little, as shethought; yet this was the teaching she most needed, and in time shecame to see it. In the autumn May died, whispering, with her armsabout her sister's neck, --

"You make me so happy, Sy, I wouldn't mind the pain if I could stay alittle longer. But if I can't, good-by, dear, good-by. "

Her last look and word and kiss were all for Psyche, who felt thenwith grateful tears that her summer had not been wasted; for the smileupon the little dead face was more to her than any marble perfectionher hands could have carved. 

In the solemn pause which death makes in every family, Psyche said, with the sweet self-forgetfulness of a strong yet tender nature, --

"I must not think of myself, but try to comfort them;" and with thisresolution she gave herself heart and soul to duty, never thinking ofreward. 

A busy, anxious, humdrum winter, for, as Harry said, "it was hardtimes for every one. " Mr. Dean grew gray with the weight of businesscares about which he never spoke; Mrs. Dean, laboring under thedelusion that an invalid was a necessary appendage to the family, installed herself in the place the child's death left vacant, and theboys needed much comforting, for the poor lads never knew how muchthey loved "the baby" till the little chair stood empty. All turned toSy for help and consolation, and her strength seemed to increase withthe demand upon it. Patience and cheerfulness, courage and skill cameat her call like good fairies who had bided their time. Housekeepingceased to be hateful, and peace reigned in parlor and kitchen whileMrs. Dean, shrouded in shawls, read Hahnemann's Lesser Writings on hersofa. Mr. Dean sometimes forgot his mills when a bright face cameto meet him, a gentle hand smoothed the wrinkles out of his anxiousforehead, and a daughterly heart sympathized with all his cares. Theboys found home very pleasant with Sy always there ready to "lend ahand, " whether it was to make fancy ties, help conjugate "a confoundedverb, " pull candy, or sing sweetly in the twilight when all thought oflittle May and grew quiet. 

The studio door remained locked till her brothers begged Psyche toopen it and make a bust of the child. A flush of joy swept over herface at the request, and her patient eyes grew bright and eager, asa thirsty traveller's might at the sight or sound of water. Then itfaded as she shook her head, saying with a regretful sigh, "I'm afraidI've lost the little skill I ever had. "

But she tried, and with great wonder and delight discovered that shecould work as she had never done before. She thought the newly foundpower lay in her longing to see the little face again; for it grewlike magic under her loving hands, while every tender memory, sweetthought, and devout hope she had ever cherished, seemed to lend theiraid. But when it was done and welcomed with tears and smiles, andpraise more precious than any the world could give, then Psyche saidwithin herself, like one who saw light at last, --

"He was right; doing one's duty _is_ the way to feed heart, soul, andimagination; for if one is good, one is happy, and if happy, one canwork well. "

III

"She broke her head and went home to come no more, " was Giovanni'ssomewhat startling answer when Paul asked about Psyche, finding thathe no longer met her on the stairs or in the halls. He understood whatthe boy meant, and with an approving nod turned to his work again, saying, "I like that! If there is any power in her, she has taken theright way to find it out, I suspect. "

How she prospered he never asked; for, though he met her morethan once that year, the interviews were brief ones in street, concert-room, or picture-gallery, and she carefully avoided speakingof herself. But, possessing the gifted eyes which can look below thesurface of things, he detected in the girl's face something betterthan beauty, though each time he saw it, it looked older and morethoughtful, often anxious and sad. 

"She is getting on, " he said to himself with a cordial satisfactionwhich gave his manner a friendliness as grateful to Psyche as his wisereticence. 

Adam was finished at last, proved a genuine success, and Paul heartilyenjoyed the well-earned reward for years of honest work. One blitheMay morning, he slipped early into the art-gallery, where the statuenow stood, to look at his creation with paternal pride. He was quitealone with the stately figure that shone white against the purpledraperies and seemed to offer him a voiceless welcome from its marblelips. He gave it one loving look, and then forgot it, for at the feetof his Adam lay a handful of wild violets, with the dew still onthem. A sudden smile broke over his face as he took them up, with thethought, "She has been here and found my work good. "

For several moments he stood thoughtfully turning the flowers to andfro in his hands; then, as if deciding some question within himself, he said, still smiling, --

"It is just a year since she went home; she must have accomplishedsomething in that time; I'll take the violets as a sign that I may goand ask her what. "

He knew she lived just out of the city, between the river and themills, and as he left the streets behind him, he found more violetsblooming all along the way like flowery guides to lead him right. Greener grew the road, balmier blew the wind, and blither sang thebirds, as he went on, enjoying his holiday with the zest of a boy, until he reached a most attractive little path winding away across thefields. The gate swung invitingly open, and all the ground before itwas blue with violets. Still following their guidance he took thenarrow path, till, coming to a mossy stone beside a brook, he sat downto listen to the blackbirds singing deliciously in the willows overhead. Close by the stone, half hidden in the grass lay a little book, and, taking it up he found it was a pocket-diary. No name appeared onthe fly-leaf, and, turning the pages to find some clue to its owner, he read here and there enough to give him glimpses into an innocentand earnest heart which seemed to be learning some hard lessonpatiently. Only near the end did he find the clue in words of his own, spoken long ago, and a name. Then, though longing intensely to knowmore, he shut the little book and went on, showing by his altered facethat the simple record of a girl's life had touched him deeply. 

Soon an old house appeared nestling to the hillside with the rivershining in the low green meadows just before it. 

"She lives there, " he said, with as much certainty as if the pansiesby the door-stone spelt her name, and, knocking, he asked for Psyche. 

"She's gone to town, but I expect her home every minute. Ask thegentleman to walk in and wait, Katy, " cried a voice from above, wherethe whisk of skirts was followed by the appearance of an inquiring eyeover the banisters. 

The gentleman did walk in, and while he waited looked about him. Theroom, though very simply furnished, had a good deal of beauty in it, for the pictures were few and well chosen, the books such as nevergrow old, the music lying on the well-worn piano of the sort which isnever out of fashion, and standing somewhat apart was one small statuein a recess full of flowers. Lovely in its simple grace and truth wasthe figure of a child looking upward as if watching the airy flight ofsome butterfly which had evidently escaped from the chrysalis stilllying in the little hand. 

Paul was looking at it with approving eyes when Mrs. Dean appearedwith his card in her hand, three shawls on her shoulders, and in herface a somewhat startled expression, as if she expected some noveldemonstration from the man whose genius her daughter so much admired. 

"I hope Miss Psyche is well, " began Paul, with great discrimination ifnot originality. 

The delightfully commonplace remark tranquillized Mrs. Dean at once, and, taking off the upper shawl with a fussy gesture, she settledherself for a chat. 

"Yes, thank heaven, Sy is well. I don't know what would become of usif she wasn't. It has been a hard and sorrowful year for us with Mr. Dean's business embarrassments, my feeble health, and May's death. I don't know that you were aware of our loss, sir;" and unaffectedmaternal grief gave sudden dignity to the faded, fretful face of thespeaker. 

Paul murmured his regrets, understanding better now the pathetic wordson a certain tear-stained page of the little book still in his pocket. 

"Poor dear, she suffered everything, and it came very hard upon Sy, for the child wasn't happy with any one else, and almost lived inher arms, " continued Mrs. Dean, dropping the second shawl to get herhandkerchief. 

"Miss Psyche has not had much time for art-studies this year, Isuppose?" said Paul, hoping to arrest the shower, natural as it was. 

"How could she with two invalids, the housekeeping, her father and theboys to attend to? No, she gave that up last spring, and though it wasa great disappointment to her at the time, she has got over it now, Ihope, " added her mother, remembering as she spoke that Psyche even nowwent about the house sometimes pale and silent, with a hungry look inher eyes. 

"I am glad to hear it, " though a little shadow passed over his faceas Paul spoke, for he was too true an artist to believe that any workcould be as happy as that which he loved and lived for. "I thoughtthere was much promise in Miss Psyche, and I sincerely believe thattime will prove me a true prophet, " he said, with mingled regret andhope in his voice, as he glanced about the room, which betrayed thetastes still cherished by the girl. 

"I'm afraid ambition isn't good for women; I mean the sort that makesthem known by coming before the public in any way. But Sy deservessome reward, I'm sure, and I know she'll have it, for a betterdaughter never lived. "

Here the third shawl was cast off, as if the thought of Psyche, or thepresence of a genial guest had touched Mrs. Dean's chilly nature witha comfortable warmth. 

Further conversation was interrupted by the avalanche of boys whichcame tumbling down the front stairs, as Tom, Dick, and Harry shoutedin a sort of chorus, --

"Sy, my balloon has got away; lend us a hand at catching him!"

"Sy, I want a lot of paste made, right off. "

"Sy, I've split my jacket down the back; come sew me up, there's adear!"

On beholding a stranger the young gentlemen suddenly lost theirvoices, found their manners, and with nods and grins took themselvesaway as quietly as could be expected of six clumping boots and anunlimited quantity of animal spirits in a high state of effervescence. As they trooped off, an unmistakable odor of burnt milk pervaded theair, and the crash of china, followed by an Irish wail, caused Mrs. Dean to clap on her three shawls again and excuse herself in visibletrepidation. 

Paul laughed quietly to himself, then turned sober and said, "PoorPsyche!" with a sympathetic sigh. He roamed about the room impatientlytill the sound of voices drew him to the window to behold the girlcoming up the walk with her tired old father leaning on one arm, theother loaded with baskets and bundles, and her hands occupied by aremarkably ugly turtle. 

"Here we are!" cried a cheery voice, as they entered without observingthe new-comer. "I've done all my errands and had a lovely time. Thereis Tom's gunpowder, Dick's fishhooks, and one of Professor Gazzy'sfamous turtles for Harry. Here are your bundles, mother dear, and, best of all, here's father home in time for a good rest before dinner. I went to the mill and got him. "

Psyche spoke as if she had brought a treasure; and so she had, for though Mr. Dean's face usually was about as expressive as theturtle's, it woke and warmed with the affection which his daughter hadfostered till no amount of flannel could extinguish it. His big handpatted her cheek very gently as he said, in a tone of fatherly loveand pride, --

"My little Sy never forgets old father, does she?"

"Good gracious me, my dear, there's such a mess in the kitchen! Katy'sburnt up the pudding, put castor-oil instead of olive in the salad, smashed the best meat-dish, and here's Mr. Gage come to dinner, " criedMrs. Dean in accents of despair as she tied up her head in a fourthshawl. 

"Oh, I'm so glad; I'll go in and see him a few minutes, and then I'llcome and attend to everything; so don't worry, mother. "

"How did you find me out?" asked Psyche as she shook hands with herguest and stood looking up at him with all the old confiding franknessin her face and manner. 

"The violets showed me the way. "

She glanced at the posy in his button-hole and smiled. 

"Yes, I gave them to Adam, but I didn't think you would guess. Ienjoyed your work for an hour to-day, and I have no words strongenough to express my admiration. "

"There is no need of any. Tell me about yourself: what have you beendoing all this year?" he asked, watching with genuine satisfaction theserene and sunny face before him, for discontent, anxiety, and sadnesswere no longer visible there. 

"I've been working and waiting, " she began. 

"And succeeding, if I may believe what I see and hear and read, " hesaid, with an expressive little wave of the book as he laid it downbefore her. 

"My diary! I didn't know I had lost it. Where did you find it?"

"By the brook where I stopped to rest. The moment I saw your name Ishut it up. Forgive me, but I can't ask pardon for reading a few pagesof that little gospel of patience, love, and self-denial. "

She gave him a reproachful look, and hurried the telltale book out ofsight as she said, with a momentary shadow on her face, --

"It has been a hard task; but I think I have learned it, and am justbeginning to find that my dream _is_ 'a noonday light and truth, ' tome. "

"Then you do not relinquish your hopes, and lay down your tools?" heasked, with some eagerness. 

"Never! I thought at first that I could not serve two masters, butin trying to be faithful to one I find I am nearer and dearer to theother. My cares and duties are growing lighter every day (or I havelearned to bear them better), and when my leisure does come I shallknow how to use it, for my head is full of ambitious plans, and I feelthat I can do something _now_. "

All the old enthusiasm shone in her eyes, and a sense of powerbetrayed itself in voice and gesture as she spoke. 

"I believe it, " he said heartily. "You have learned the secret, asthat proves. "

Psyche looked at the childish image as he pointed to it, and into herface there came a motherly expression that made it very sweet. 

"That little sister was so dear to me I could not fail to make herlovely, for I put my heart into my work. The year has gone, but Idon't regret it, though this is all I have done. "

"You forget your three wishes; I think the year has granted them. "

"What were they?"

"To possess beauty in yourself, the power of seeing it in all things, and the art of reproducing it with truth. "

She colored deeply under the glance which accompanied the threefoldcompliment, and answered with grateful humility, --

"You are very kind to say so; I wish I could believe it. " Then, as ifanxious to forget herself, she added rather abruptly, --

"I hear you think of giving your Adam a mate, --have you begun yet?"

"Yes, my design is finished, all but the face. "

"I should think you could image Eve's beauty, since you have succeededso well with Adam's. "

"The features perhaps, but not the expression. That is the charm offeminine faces, a charm so subtile that few can catch and keep it. Iwant a truly womanly face, one that shall be sweet and strong withoutbeing either weak or hard. A hopeful, loving, earnest face with atender touch of motherliness in it, and perhaps the shadow of a griefthat has softened but not saddened it. "

"It will be hard to find a face like that. "

"I don't expect to find it in perfection; but one sometimes sees faceswhich suggest all this, and in rare moments give glimpses of a lovelypossibility. "

"I sincerely hope you will find one then, " said Psyche, thinking ofthe dinner. 

"Thank you; _I_ think I have. "

Now, in order that every one may be suited, we will stop here, andleave our readers to finish the story as they like. Those who preferthe good old fashion may believe that the hero and heroine fell inlove, were married, and lived happily ever afterward. But those whocan conceive of a world outside of a wedding-ring may believe that thefriends remained faithful friends all their lives, while Paul won fameand fortune, and Psyche grew beautiful with the beauty of a serene andsunny nature, happy in duties which became pleasures, rich in the artwhich made life lovely to herself and others, and brought rewards intime. 

A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

"A handful of good life is worth a bushel of learning. "

"Dear Emily, --I have a brilliant idea, and at once hasten to share itwith you. Three weeks ago I came up here to the wilds of Vermont tovisit my old aunt, also to get a little quiet and distance in whichto survey certain new prospects which have opened before me, and todecide whether I will marry a millionnaire and become a queen ofsociety, or remain 'the charming Miss Vaughan' and wait till theconquering hero comes. 

"Aunt Plumy begs me to stay over Christmas, and I have consented, as Ialways dread the formal dinner with which my guardian celebrates theday. 

"My brilliant idea is this. I'm going to make it a real old-fashionedfrolic, and won't you come and help me? You will enjoy it immensely Iam sure, for Aunt is a character. Cousin Saul worth seeing, and Rutha far prettier girl than any of the city rose-buds coming out thisseason. Bring Leonard Randal along with you to take notes for his newbooks; then it will be fresher and truer than the last, clever as itwas. 

"The air is delicious up here, society amusing, this old farmhousefull of treasures, and your bosom friend pining to embrace you. Justtelegraph yes or no, and we will expect you on Tuesday. 

"Ever yours, "SOPHIE VAUGHAN. "

"They will both come, for they are as tired of city life and as fondof change as I am, " said the writer of the above, as she folded herletter and went to get it posted without delay. 

Aunt Plumy was in the great kitchen making pies; a jolly old soul, with a face as ruddy as a winter apple, a cheery voice, and thekindest heart that ever beat under a gingham gown. Pretty Ruth waschopping the mince, and singing so gaily as she worked that thefour-and-twenty immortal blackbirds could not have put more music intoa pie than she did. Saul was piling wood into the big oven, and Sophiepaused a moment on the threshold to look at him, for she alwaysenjoyed the sight of this stalwart cousin, whom she likened to a Norseviking, with his fair hair and beard, keen blue eyes, and six feet ofmanly height, with shoulders that looked broad and strong enough tobear any burden. 

His back was toward her, but he saw her first, and turned his flushedface to meet her, with the sudden lighting up it always showed whenshe approached. 

"I've done it, Aunt; and now I want Saul to post the letter, so we canget a speedy answer. "

"Just as soon as I can hitch up, cousin;" and Saul pitched in his lastlog, looking ready to put a girdle round the earth in less than fortyminutes. 

"Well, dear, I ain't the least mite of objection, as long as itpleases you. I guess we can stan' it ef your city folks can. I presumeto say things will look kind of sing'lar to 'em, but I s'pose that'swhat they come for. Idle folks do dreadful queer things to amuse 'em;"and Aunt Plumy leaned on the rolling-pin to smile and nod with ashrewd twinkle of her eye, as if she enjoyed the prospect as much asSophie did. 

"I shall be afraid of 'em, but I'll try not to make you ashamed ofme, " said Ruth, who loved her charming cousin even more than sheadmired her. 

"No fear of that, dear. They will be the awkward ones, and you mustset them at ease by just being your simple selves, and treating themas if they were every-day people. Nell is very nice and jolly when shedrops her city ways, as she must here. She will enter into the spiritof the fun at once, and I know you'll all like her. Mr. Randal israther the worse for too much praise and petting, as successful peopleare apt to be, so a little plain talk and rough work will do him good. He is a true gentleman in spite of his airs and elegance, and he willtake it all in good part, if you treat him like a man and not a lion. "

"I'll see to him, " said Saul, who had listened with great interest tothe latter part of Sophie's speech, evidently suspecting a lover, andenjoying the idea of supplying him with a liberal amount of "plaintalk and rough work. "

"I'll keep 'em busy if that's what they need, for there will be asight to do, and we can't get help easy up here. Our darters don'thire out much. Work to home till they marry, and don't go gaddin''round gettin' their heads full of foolish notions, and forgettin' allthe useful things their mothers taught 'em. "

Aunt Plumy glanced at Ruth as she spoke, and a sudden color in thegirl's cheeks proved that the words hit certain ambitious fancies ofthis pretty daughter of the house of Basset. 

"They shall do their parts and not be a trouble; I'll see to that, for you certainly are the dearest aunt in the world to let me takepossession of you and yours in this way, " cried Sophie, embracing theold lady with warmth. 

Saul wished the embrace could be returned by proxy, as his mother'shands were too floury to do more than hover affectionately round thedelicate face that looked so fresh and young beside her wrinkled one. As it could not be done, he fled temptation and "hitched up" withoutdelay. 

The three women laid their heads together in his absence, and Sophie'splan grew apace, for Ruth longed to see a real novelist and a finelady, and Aunt Plumy, having plans of her own to further, said "Yes, dear, " to every suggestion. 

Great was the arranging and adorning that went on that day in theold farmhouse, for Sophie wanted her friends to enjoy this taste ofcountry pleasures, and knew just what additions would be indispensableto their comfort; what simple ornaments would be in keeping with therustic stage on which she meant to play the part of prima donna. 

Next day a telegram arrived accepting the invitation, for both thelady and the lion. They would arrive that afternoon, as littlepreparation was needed for this impromptu journey, the novelty ofwhich was its chief charm to these _blasé_ people. 

Saul wanted to get out the double sleigh and span, for he pridedhimself on his horses, and a fall of snow came most opportunelyto beautify the landscape and add a new pleasure to Christmasfestivities. 

But Sophie declared that the old yellow sleigh, with Punch, thefarm-horse, must be used, as she wished everything to be in keeping;and Saul obeyed, thinking he had never seen anything prettier than hiscousin when she appeared in his mother's old-fashioned camlet cloakand blue silk pumpkin hood. He looked remarkably well himself in hisfur coat, with hair and beard brushed till they shone like spun gold, a fresh color in his cheek, and the sparkle of amusement in his eyes, while excitement gave his usually grave face the animation it neededto be handsome. 

Away they jogged in the creaking old sleigh, leaving Ruth to makeherself pretty, with a fluttering heart, and Aunt Plumy to dish up alate dinner fit to tempt the most fastidious appetite. 

"She has not come for us, and there is not even a stage to take us up. There must be some mistake, " said Emily Herrick, as she looked aboutthe shabby little station where they were set down. 

"That is the never-to-be-forgotten face of our fair friend, but thebonnet of her grandmother, if my eyes do not deceive me, " answeredRandal, turning to survey the couple approaching in the rear. 

"Sophie Vaughan, what do you mean by making such a guy of yourself?"exclaimed Emily, as she kissed the smiling face in the hood and staredat the quaint cloak. 

"I'm dressed for my part, and I intend to keep it up. This is ourhost, my cousin, Saul Basset. Come to the sleigh at once, he will seeto your luggage, " said Sophie, painfully conscious of the antiquity ofher array as her eyes rested on Emily's pretty hat and mantle, and themasculine elegance of Randal's wraps. 

They were hardly tucked in when Saul appeared with a valise inone hand and a large trunk on his shoulder, swinging both on to awood-sled that stood near by as easily as if they had been hand-bags. 

"That is your hero, is it? Well, he looks it, calm and comely, taciturn and tall, " said Emily, in a tone of approbation. 

"He should have been named Samson or Goliath; though I believe it wasthe small man who slung things about and turned out the hero in theend, " added Randal, surveying the performance with interest and atouch of envy, for much pen work had made his own hands as delicate asa woman's. 

"Saul doesn't live in a glass house, so stones won't hurt him. Remember sarcasm is forbidden and sincerity the order of the day. Youare country folks now, and it will do you good to try their simple, honest ways for a few days. "

Sophie had no time to say more, for Saul came up and drove off withthe brief remark that the baggage would "be along right away. "

Being hungry, cold and tired, the guests were rather silent during theshort drive, but Aunt Plumy's hospitable welcome, and the savory fumesof the dinner awaiting them, thawed the ice and won their hearts atonce. 

"Isn't it nice? Aren't you glad you came?" asked Sophie, as she ledher friends into the parlor, which she had redeemed from its primnessby putting bright chintz curtains to the windows, hemlock boughsover the old portraits, a china bowl of flowers on the table, and asplendid fire on the wide hearth. 

"It is perfectly jolly, and this is the way I begin to enjoy myself, "answered Emily, sitting down upon the home-made rug, whose red flannelroses bloomed in a blue list basket. 

"If I may add a little smoke to your glorious fire, it will be quiteperfect. Won't Samson join me?" asked Randal, waiting for permission, cigar-case in hand. 

"He has no small vices, but you may indulge yours, " answered Sophie, from the depths of a grandmotherly chair. 

Emily glanced up at her friend as if she caught a new tone in hervoice, then turned to the fire again with a wise little nod, as ifconfiding some secret to the reflection of herself in the bright brassandiron. 

"His Delilah does not take this form. I wait with interest to discoverif he has one. What a daisy the sister is. Does she ever speak?" askedRandal, trying to lounge on the haircloth sofa, where he was slippinguncomfortably about. 

"Oh yes, and sings like a bird. You shall hear her when she gets overher shyness. But no trifling, mind you, for it is a jealously guardeddaisy and not to be picked by any idle hand, " said Sophie warningly, as she recalled Ruth's blushes and Randal's compliments at dinner. 

"I should expect to be annihilated by the big brother if I attemptedany but the 'sincerest' admiration and respect. Have no fears on thatscore, but tell us what is to follow this superb dinner. An apple bee, spinning match, husking party, or primitive pastime of some sort, Ihave no doubt. "

"As you are new to our ways I am going to let you rest this evening. We will sit about the fire and tell stories. Aunt is a master handat that, and Saul has reminiscences of the war that are well worthhearing if we can only get him to tell them. "

"Ah, he was there, was he?"

"Yes, all through it, and is Major Basset, though he likes his plainname best. He fought splendidly and had several wounds, though only amere boy when he earned his scars and bars. I'm very proud of him forthat, " and Sophie looked so as she glanced at the photograph ofa stripling in uniform set in the place of honor on the highmantel-piece. 

"We must stir him up and hear these martial memories. I want some newincidents, and shall book all I can get, if I may. "

Here Randal was interrupted by Saul himself, who came in with anarmful of wood for the fire. 

"Anything more I can do for you, cousin?" he asked, surveying thescene with a rather wistful look. 

"Only come and sit with us and talk over war times with Mr. Randal. "

"When I've foddered the cattle and done my chores I'd be pleased to. What regiment were you in?" asked Saul, looking down from his loftyheight upon the slender gentleman, who answered briefly, --

"In none. I was abroad at the time. "

"Sick?"

"No, busy with a novel. "

"Took four years to write it?"

"I was obliged to travel and study before I could finish it. Thesethings take more time to work up than outsiders would believe. "

"Seems to me our war was a finer story than any you could find inEurope, and the best way to study it would be to fight it out. If youwant heroes and heroines you'd have found plenty of 'em there. "

"I have no doubt of it, and shall be glad to atone for my seemingneglect of them by hearing about your own exploits. Major. "

Randal hoped to turn the conversation gracefully, but Saul was notto be caught, and left the room, saying, with a gleam of fun in hiseye, --

"I can't stop now; heroes can wait, pigs can't. "

The girls laughed at this sudden descent from the sublime to theridiculous, and Randal joined them, feeling his condescension had notbeen unobserved. 

As if drawn by the merry sound Aunt Plumy appeared, and beingestablished in the rocking-chair fell to talking as easily as if shehad known her guests for years. 

"Laugh away, young folks, that's better for digestion than any of themesses people use. Are you troubled with dyspepsy, dear? You didn'tseem to take your vittles very hearty, so I mistrusted you wasdelicate, " she said, looking at Emily, whose pale cheeks and wearyeyes told the story of late hours and a gay life. 

"I haven't eaten so much for years, I assure you, Mrs. Basset; butit was impossible to taste all your good things. I am not dyspeptic, thank you, but a little seedy and tired, for I've been working ratherhard lately. "

"Be you a teacher? or have you a 'perfessun, ' as they call a tradenowadays?" asked the old lady in a tone of kindly interest, whichprevented a laugh at the idea of Emily's being anything but a beautyand a belle. The others kept their countenances with difficulty, andshe answered demurely, --

"I have no trade as yet, but I dare say I should be happier if I had. "

"Not a doubt on't, my dear. "

"What would you recommend, ma'am?"

"I should say dressmakin' was rather in your line, ain't it? Yourclothes is dreadful tasty, and do you credit if you made 'emyourself. " and Aunt Plumy surveyed with feminine interest the simpleelegance of the travelling dress which was the masterpiece of a Frenchmodiste. 

"No, ma'am, I don't make my own things, I'm too lazy. It takes so muchtime and trouble to select them that I have only strength left to wearthem. "

"Housekeepin' used to be the favorite perfessun in my day. It ain'tfashionable now, but it needs a sight of trainin' to be perfect in allthat's required, and I've an idee it would be a sight healthier andusefuller than the paintin' and music and fancy work young women donowadays. "

"But every one wants some beauty in their lives, and each one has adifferent sphere to fill, if one can only find it. "

"'Pears to me there's no call for so much art when nater is full ofbeauty for them that can see and love it. As for 'spears' and so on, I've a notion if each of us did up our own little chores smart andthorough we needn't go wanderin' round to set the world to rights. That's the Lord's job, and I presume to say He can do it without anyadvice of ourn. "

Something in the homely but true words seemed to rebuke the threelisteners for wasted lives, and for a moment there was no sound butthe crackle of the fire, the brisk click of the old lady's knittingneedles, and Ruth's voice singing overhead as she made ready to jointhe party below. 

"To judge by that sweet sound you have done one of your 'chores' verybeautifully, Mrs. Basset, and in spite of the follies of our day, succeeded in keeping one girl healthy, happy and unspoiled, " saidEmily, looking up into the peaceful old face with her own lovely onefull of respect and envy. 

"I do hope so, for she's my ewe lamb, the last of four dear littlegirls; all the rest are in the burying ground 'side of father. I don'texpect to keep her long, and don't ought to regret when I lose her, for Saul is the best of sons; but daughters is more to motherssomehow, and I always yearn over girls that is left without a broodin'wing to keep 'em safe and warm in this world of tribulation. "

Aunt Plumy laid her hand on Sophie's head as she spoke, with such amotherly look that both girls drew nearer, and Randal resolved to puther in a book without delay. 

Presently Saul returned with little Ruth hanging on his arm and shylynestling near him as he took the three-cornered leathern chair in thechimney nook, while she sat on a stool close by. 

"Now the circle is complete and the picture perfect. Don't light thelamps yet, please, but talk away and let me make a mental studyof you. I seldom find so charming a scene to paint, " said Randal, beginning to enjoy himself immensely, with a true artist's taste fornovelty and effect. 

"Tell us about your book, for we have been reading it as it comes outin the magazine, and are much exercised about how it's going toend, " began Saul, gallantly throwing himself into the breach, for amomentary embarrassment fell upon the women at the idea of sitting fortheir portraits before they were ready. 

"Do you really read my poor serial up here, and do me the honor tolike it?" asked the novelist, both flattered and amused, for his workwas of the aesthetic sort, microscopic studies of character, andcareful pictures of modern life. 

"Sakes alive, why shouldn't we?" cried Aunt Plumy. "We have someeddication, though we ain't very genteel. We've got a town libry, kepup by the women mostly, with fairs and tea parties and so on. We haveall the magazines reg'lar, and Saul reads out the pieces while Ruthsews and I knit, my eyes bein' poor. Our winter is long and eveninswould be kinder lonesome if we didn't have novils and newspapers tocheer 'em up. "

"I am very glad I can help to beguile them for you. Now tell me whatyou honestly think of my work? Criticism is always valuable, and Ishould really like yours, Mrs. Basset, " said Randal, wondering whatthe good woman would make of the delicate analysis and worldly wisdomon which he prided himself. 

Short work, as Aunt Plumy soon showed him, for she rather enjoyedfreeing her mind at all times, and decidedly resented the insinuationthat country folk could not appreciate light literature as well ascity people. 

"I ain't no great of a jedge about anything but nat'ralness of books, and it really does seem as if some of your men and women was dreadfuluncomfortable creaters. 'Pears to me it ain't wise to be alwayspickin' ourselves to pieces and pryin' into things that ought tocome gradual by way of experience and the visitations of Providence. Flowers won't blow worth a cent ef you pull 'em open. Better wait andsee what they can do alone. I do relish the smart sayins, the odd waysof furrin parts, and the sarcastic slaps at folkses weak spots. Butmassy knows, we can't live on spice-cake and Charlotte Ruche, and Ido feel as if books was more sustainin' ef they was full of every-daypeople and things, like good bread and butter. Them that goes to theheart and ain't soon forgotten is the kind I hanker for. Mis Terry'sbooks now, and Mis Stowe's, and Dickens's Christmas pieces, --them isreal sweet and cheerin', to my mind. "

As the blunt old lady paused it was evident she had produced asensation, for Saul smiled at the fire, Ruth looked dismayed atthis assault upon one of her idols, and the young ladies were bothastonished and amused at the keenness of the new critic who daredexpress what they had often felt. Randal, however, was quite composedand laughed good-naturedly, though secretly feeling as if a pail ofcold water had been poured over him. 

"Many thanks, madam; you have discovered my weak point with surprisingaccuracy. But you see I cannot help 'picking folks to pieces, ' as youhave expressed it; that is my gift, and it has its attractions, as thesale of my books will testify. People like the 'spice-bread, ' and asthat is the only sort my oven will bake, I must keep on in order tomake my living. "

"So rumsellers say, but it ain't a good trade to foller, and I'd chopwood 'fore I'd earn my livin' harmin' my feller man. 'Pears to me I'dlet my oven cool a spell, and hunt up some homely, happy folks towrite about; folks that don't borrer trouble and go lookin' for holesin their neighbors' coats, but take their lives brave and cheerful;and rememberin' we are all human, have pity on the weak, and try tobe as full of mercy, patience and lovin' kindness as Him who madeus. That sort of a book would do a heap of good; be real warmin' andstrengthening and make them that read it love the man that wrote it, and remember him when he was dead and gone. "

"I wish I could!" and Randal meant what he said, for he was as tiredof his own style as a watch-maker might be of the magnifying glassthrough which he strains his eyes all day. He knew that the heart wasleft out of his work, and that both mind and soul were growing morbidwith dwelling on the faulty, absurd and metaphysical phases of lifeand character. He often threw down his pen and vowed he would write nomore; but he loved ease and the books brought money readily; he wasaccustomed to the stimulant of praise and missed it as the topermisses his wine, so that which had once been a pleasure to himself andothers was fast becoming a burden and a disappointment. 

The brief pause which followed his involuntary betrayal of discontentwas broken by Ruth, who exclaimed, with a girlish enthusiasm thatoverpowered girlish bashfulness, --

"_I_ think all the novels are splendid! I hope you will write hundredsmore, and I shall live to read 'em. "

"Bravo, my gentle champion! I promise that I will write one more atleast, and have a heroine in it whom your mother will both admire andlove, " answered Randal, surprised to find how grateful he was for thegirl's approval, and how rapidly his trained fancy began to paint thebackground on which he hoped to copy this fresh, human daisy. 

Abashed by her involuntary outburst, Ruth tried to efface herselfbehind Saul's broad shoulder, and he brought the conversation back toits starting-point by saying in a tone of the most sincere interest, --

"Speaking of the serial, I am very anxious to know how your hero comesout. He is a fine fellow, and I can't decide whether he is going tospoil his life marrying that silly woman, or do something grand andgenerous, and not be made a fool of. "

"Upon my soul, I don't know myself. It is very hard to find newfinales. Can't you suggest something, Major? then I shall not beobliged to leave my story without an end, as people complain I amrather fond of doing. "

"Well, no, I don't think I've anything to offer. Seems to me it isn'tthe sensational exploits that show the hero best, but some greatsacrifice quietly made by a common sort of man who is noble withoutknowing it. I saw a good many such during the war, and often wish Icould write them down, for it is surprising how much courage, goodnessand real piety is stowed away in common folks ready to show when theright time comes. "

"Tell us one of them, and I'll bless you for a hint. No one knows theanguish of an author's spirit when he can't ring down the curtain onan effective tableau, " said Randal, with a glance at his friends toask their aid in eliciting an anecdote or reminiscence. 

"Tell about the splendid fellow who held the bridge, like Horatius, till help came up. That was a thrilling story, I assure you, " answeredSophie, with an inviting smile. 

But Saul would not be his own hero, and said briefly:

"Any man can be brave when the battle-fever is on him, and it onlytakes a little physical courage to dash ahead. " He paused a moment, with his eyes on the snowy landscape without, where twilight wasdeepening; then, as if constrained by the memory that winter sceneevoked, he slowly continued, --

"One of the bravest things I ever knew was done by a poor fellow whohas been a hero to me ever since, though I only met him that night. It was after one of the big battles of that last winter, and I wasknocked over with a broken leg and two or three bullets here andthere. Night was coming on, snow falling, and a sharp wind blew overthe field where a lot of us lay, dead and alive, waiting for theambulance to come and pick us up. There was skirmishing going on notfar off, and our prospects were rather poor between frost and fire. Iwas calculating how I'd manage, when I found two poor chaps close bywho were worse off, so I braced up and did what I could for them. Onehad an arm blown away, and kept up a dreadful groaning. The otherwas shot bad, and bleeding to death for want of help, but nevercomplained. He was nearest, and I liked his pluck, for he spokecheerful and made me ashamed to growl. Such times make dreadful brutesof men if they haven't something to hold on to, and all three of uswere most wild with pain and cold and hunger, for we'd fought all dayfasting, when we heard a rumble in the road below, and saw lanternsbobbing round. That meant life to us, and we all tried to holler; twoof us were pretty faint, but I managed a good yell, and they heard it. 

"'Room for one more. Hard luck, old boys, but we are full and mustsave the worst wounded first. Take a drink, and hold on till we comeback, ' says one of them with the stretcher. 

"'Here's the one to go, ' I says, pointin' out my man, for I saw by thelight that he was hard hit. 

"'No, that one. He's got more chances than I, or this one; he's youngand got a mother; I'll wait, ' said the good feller, touchin' my arm, for he 'd heard me mutterin' to myself about this dear old lady. Wealways want mother when we are down, you know. "

Saul's eyes turned to the beloved face with a glance of tenderestaffection, and Aunt Plumy answered with a dismal groan at therecollection of his need that night, and her absence. 

"Well, to be short, the groaning chap was taken, and my man left. Iwas mad, but there was no time for talk, and the selfish one went offand left that poor feller to run his one chance. I had my rifle, andguessed I could hobble up to use it if need be; so we settled back towait without much hope of help, everything being in a muddle. And waitwe did till morning, for that ambulance did not come back till nextday, when most of us were past needing it. 

"I'll never forget that night. I dream it all over again as plain asif it was real. Snow, cold, darkness, hunger, thirst, pain, and allround us cries and cursing growing less and less, till at last onlythe wind went moaning over that meadow. It was awful! so lonesome, helpless, and seemingly God-forsaken. Hour after hour we lay thereside by side under one coat, waiting to be saved or die, for the windgrew strong and we grew weak. "

Saul drew a long breath, and held his hands to the fire as if he feltagain the sharp suffering of that night. 

"And the man?" asked Emily, softly, as if reluctant to break thesilence. 

"He _was_ a man! In times like that men talk like brothers and showwhat they are. Lying there, slowly freezing, Joe Cummings toldme about his wife and babies, his old folks waiting for him, alldepending on him, yet all ready to give him up when he was needed. Aplain man, but honest and true, and loving as a woman; I soon saw thatas he went on talking, half to me and half to himself, for sometimeshe wandered a little toward the end. I've read books, heard sermons, and seen good folks, but nothing ever came so close or did me so muchgood as seeing this man die. He had one chance and gave it cheerfully. He longed for those he loved, and let 'em go with a good-by theycouldn't hear. He suffered all the pains we most shrink from without amurmur, and kept my heart warm while his own was growing cold. It'sno use trying to tell that part of it; but I heard prayers that nightthat meant something, and I saw how faith could hold a soul up wheneverything was gone but God. "

Saul stopped there with a sudden huskiness in his deep voice, and whenhe went on it was in the tone of one who speaks of a dear friend. 

"Joe grew still by and by, and I thought he was asleep, for I felt hisbreath when I tucked him up, and his hand held on to mine. The coldsort of numbed me, and I dropped off, too weak and stupid to think orfeel. I never should have waked up if it hadn't been for Joe. When Icame to, it was morning, and I thought I was dead, for all I could seewas that great field of white mounds, like graves, and a splendid skyabove. Then I looked for Joe, remembering; but he had put my coat backover me, and lay stiff and still under the snow that covered him likea shroud, all except his face. A bit of my cape had blown over it, andwhen I took it off and the sun shone on his dead face, I declare toyou it was so full of heavenly peace I felt as if that common man hadbeen glorified by God's light, and rewarded by God's 'Well done. 'That's all. "

No one spoke for a moment, while the women wiped their eyes, and Sauldropped his as if to hide something softer than tears. 

"It was very noble, very touching. And you? how did you get off atlast?" asked Randal, with real admiration and respect in his usuallylanguid face. 

"Crawled off, " answered Saul, relapsing into his former brevity ofspeech. 

"Why not before, and save yourself all that misery?"

"Couldn't leave Joe. "

"Ah, I see; there were two heroes that night. "

"Dozens, I've no doubt. Those were times that made heroes of men, andwomen, too. "

"Tell us more;" begged Emily, looking up with an expression none ofher admirers ever brought to her face by their softest compliments orwiliest gossip. 

"I've done my part. It's Mr. Randal's turn now;" and Saul drew himselfout of the ruddy circle of firelight, as if ashamed of the prominentpart he was playing. 

Sophie and her friend had often heard Randal talk, for he was anaccomplished _raconteur_, but that night he exerted himself, and wasunusually brilliant and entertaining, as if upon his mettle. TheBassets were charmed. They sat late and were very merry, forAunt Plumy got up a little supper for them, and her cider was asexhilarating as champagne. When they parted for the night and Sophiekissed her aunt, Emily did the same, saying heartily, --

"It seems as if I'd known you all my life, and this is certainly themost enchanting old place that ever was. "

"Glad you like it, dear. But it ain't all fun, as you'll find outto-morrow when you go to work, for Sophie says you must, " answeredMrs. Basset, as her guests trooped away, rashly promising to likeeverything. 

They found it difficult to keep their word when they were called athalf past six next morning. Their rooms were warm, however, andthey managed to scramble down in time for breakfast, guided by thefragrance of coffee and Aunt Plumy's shrill voice singing the good oldhymn--

 "Lord, in the morning Thou shalt hear My voice ascending high. "

An open fire blazed on the hearth, for the cooking was done inthe lean-to, and the spacious, sunny kitchen was kept in all itsold-fashioned perfection, with the wooden settle in a warm nook, thetall clock behind the door, copper and pewter utensils shining on thedresser, old china in the corner closet and a little spinning wheelrescued from the garret by Sophie to adorn the deep window, full ofscarlet geraniums, Christmas roses, and white chrysanthemums. 

The young lady, in a checked apron and mob-cap, greeted her friendswith a dish of buckwheats in one hand, and a pair of cheeks thatproved she had been learning to fry these delectable cakes. 

"You do 'keep it up' in earnest, upon my word; and very becoming itis, dear. But won't you ruin your complexion and roughen your hands ifyou do so much of this new fancy-work?" asked Emily, much amazed atthis novel freak. 

"I like it, and really believe I've found my proper sphere at last. Domestic life seems so pleasant to me that I feel as if I'd betterkeep it up for the rest of my life, " answered Sophie, making a prettypicture of herself as she cut great slices of brown bread, with theearly sunshine touching her happy face. 

"The charming Miss Vaughan in the role of a farmer's wife. I find itdifficult to imagine, and shrink from the thought of the wide-spreaddismay such a fate will produce among her adorers, " added Randal, ashe basked in the glow of the hospitable fire. 

"She might do worse; but come to breakfast and do honor to myhandiwork, " said Sophie, thinking of her worn-out millionnaire, andrather nettled by the satiric smile on Randal's lips. 

"What an appetite early rising gives one. I feel equal to almostanything, so let me help wash cups, " said Emily, with unusual energy, when the hearty meal was over and Sophie began to pick up the dishesas if it was her usual work. 

Ruth went to the window to water the flowers, and Randal followed tomake himself agreeable, remembering her defence of him last night. He was used to admiration from feminine eyes, and flattery from softlips, but found something new and charming in the innocent delightwhich showed itself at his approach in blushes more eloquent thanwords, and shy glances from eyes full of hero-worship. 

"I hope you are going to spare me a posy for to-morrow night, sinceI can be fine in no other way to do honor to the dance Miss Sophieproposes for us, " he said, leaning in the bay window to look downon the little girl, with the devoted air he usually wore for prettywomen. 

"Anything you like! I should be so glad to have you wear my flowers. There will be enough for all, and I've nothing else to give to peoplewho have made me as happy as cousin Sophie and you, " answered Ruth, half drowning her great calla as she spoke with grateful warmth. 

"You must make her happy by accepting the invitation to go home withher which I heard given last night. A peep at the world would do yougood, and be a pleasant change, I think. "

"Oh, very pleasant! but would it do me good?" and Ruth looked up withsudden seriousness in her blue eyes, as a child questions an elder, eager, yet wistful. 

"Why not?" asked Randal, wondering at the hesitation. 

"I might grow discontented with things here if I saw splendid housesand fine people. I am very happy now, and it would break my heart tolose that happiness, or ever learn to be ashamed of home. "

"But don't you long for more pleasure, new scenes and other friendsthan these?" asked the man, touched by the little creature's loyaltyto the things she knew and loved. 

"Very often, but mother says when I'm ready they will come, so I waitand try not to be impatient. " But Ruth's eyes looked out over thegreen leaves as if the longing was very strong within her to see moreof the unknown world lying beyond the mountains that hemmed her in. 

"It is natural for birds to hop out of the nest, so I shall expect tosee you over there before long, and ask you how you enjoy your firstflight, " said Randal, in a paternal tone that had a curious effect onRuth. 

To his surprise, she laughed, then blushed like one of her own roses, and answered with a demure dignity that was very pretty to see. 

"I intend to hop soon, but it won't be a very long flight or very farfrom mother. She can't spare me, and nobody in the world can fill herplace to me. "

"Bless the child, does she think I'm going to make love to her, "thought Randal, much amused, but quite mistaken. Wiser women hadthought so when he assumed the caressing air with which he beguiledthem into the little revelations of character he liked to use, as thesouth wind makes flowers open their hearts to give up their odor, thenleaves them to carry it elsewhere, the more welcome for the stolensweetness. 

"Perhaps you are right. The maternal wing is a safe shelter forconfiding little souls like you, Miss Ruth. You will be as comfortablehere as your flowers in this sunny window, " he said, carelesslypinching geranium leaves, and ruffling the roses till the pink petalsof the largest fluttered to the floor. 

As if she instinctively felt and resented something in the man whichhis act symbolized, the girl answered quietly, as she went on with herwork, "Yes, if the frost does not touch me, or careless people spoilme too soon. "

Before Randal could reply Aunt Plumy approached like a maternal henwho sees her chicken in danger. 

"Saul is goin' to haul wood after he's done his chores, mebbe you'dlike to go along? The view is good, the roads well broke, and the dayuncommon fine. "

"Thanks; it will be delightful, I dare say, " politely responded thelion, with a secret shudder at the idea of a rural promenade at 8 A. M. In the winter. 

"Come on, then; we'll feed the stock, and then I'll show you how toyoke oxen, " said Saul, with a twinkle in his eye as he led the way, when his new aide had muffled himself up as if for a polar voyage. 

"Now, that's too bad of Saul! He did it on purpose, just to pleaseyou, Sophie, " cried Ruth presently, and the girls ran to the window tobehold Randal bravely following his host with a pail of pigs' food ineach hand, and an expression of resigned disgust upon his aristocraticface. 

"To what base uses may we come, " quoted Emily, as they all nodded andsmiled upon the victim as he looked back from the barn-yard, where hewas clamorously welcomed by his new charges. 

"It is rather a shock at first, but it will do him good, and Saulwon't be too hard upon him, I'm sure, " said Sophie, going back to herwork, while Ruth turned her best buds to the sun that they might beready for a peace-offering to-morrow. 

There was a merry clatter in the big kitchen for an hour; then AuntPlumy and her daughter shut themselves up in the pantry to performsome culinary rites, and the young ladies went to inspect certainantique costumes laid forth in Sophie's room. 

"You see, Em, I thought it would be appropriate to the house andseason to have an old-fashioned dance. Aunt has quantities of ancientfinery stowed away, for great-grandfather Basset was a fine oldgentleman and his family lived in state. Take your choice of thecrimson, blue or silver-gray damask. Ruth is to wear the worked muslinand quilted white satin skirt, with that coquettish hat. "

"Being dark, I'll take the red and trim it up with this fine lace. You must wear the blue and primrose, with the distracting high-heeledshoes. Have you any suits for the men?" asked Emily, throwing herselfat once into the all-absorbing matter of costume. 

"A claret velvet coat and vest, silk stockings, cocked hat andsnuff-box for Randal. Nothing large enough for Saul, so he must wearhis uniform. Won't Aunt Plumy be superb in this plum-colored satin andimmense cap?"

A delightful morning was spent in adapting the faded finery of thepast to the blooming beauty of the present, and time and tongues flewtill the toot of a horn called them down to dinner. 

The girls were amazed to see Randal come whistling up the road withhis trousers tucked into his boots, blue mittens on his hands, and anunusual amount of energy in his whole figure, as he drove the oxen, while Saul laughed at his vain attempts to guide the bewilderedbeasts. 

"It's immense! The view from the hill is well worth seeing, for thesnow glorifies the landscape and reminds one of Switzerland. I'm goingto make a sketch of it this afternoon; better come and enjoy thedelicious freshness, young ladies. "

Randal was eating with such an appetite that he did not see theglances the girls exchanged as they promised to go. 

"Bring home some more winter-green, I want things to be real nice, andwe haven't enough for the kitchen, " said Ruth, dimpling with girlishdelight as she imagined herself dancing under the green garlands inher grandmother's wedding gown. 

It was very lovely on the hill, for far as the eye could reach lay thewintry landscape sparkling with the brief beauty of sunshine on virginsnow. Pines sighed overhead, hardy birds flitted to and fro, and inall the trodden spots rose the little spires of evergreen ready forits Christmas duty. Deeper in the wood sounded the measured ring ofaxes, the crash of falling trees, while the red shirts of the menadded color to the scene, and a fresh wind brought the aromatic breathof newly cloven hemlock and pine. 

"How beautiful it is! I never knew before what winter woods were like. Did you, Sophie?" asked Emily, sitting on a stump to enjoy the novelpleasure at her ease. 

"I've found out lately; Saul lets me come as often as I like, and thisfine air seems to make a new creature of me, " answered Sophie, lookingabout her with sparkling eyes, as if this was a kingdom where shereigned supreme. 

"Something is making a new creature of you, that is very evident. Ihaven't yet discovered whether it is the air or some magic herb amongthat green stuff you are gathering so diligently;" and Emily laughedto see the color deepen beautifully in her friend's half-averted face. 

"Scarlet is the only wear just now, I find. If we are lost like babesin the woods there are plenty of redbreasts to cover us with leaves, "and Randal joined Emily's laugh, with a glance at Saul, who had justpulled his coat off. 

"You wanted to see this tree go down, so stand from under and I'llshow you how it's done, " said the farmer, taking up his axe, notunwilling to gratify his guests and display his manly accomplishmentsat the same time. 

It was a fine sight, the stalwart man swinging his axe withmagnificent strength and skill, each blow sending a thrill through thestately tree, till its heart was reached and it tottered to its fall. Never pausing for breath Saul shook his yellow mane out of his eyes, and hewed away, while the drops stood on his forehead and his armached, as bent on distinguishing himself as if he had been a knighttilting against his rival for his lady's favor. 

"I don't know which to admire most, the man or his muscle. One doesn'toften see such vigor, size and comeliness in these degenerate days, "said Randal, mentally booking the fine figure in the red shirt. 

"I think we have discovered a rough diamond. I only wonder if Sophieis going to try and polish it, " answered Emily, glancing at herfriend, who stood a little apart, watching the rise and fall of theaxe as intently as if her fate depended on it. 

Down rushed the tree at last, and, leaving them to examine a crow'snest in its branches, Saul went off to his men, as if he found thepraises of his prowess rather too much for him. 

Randal fell to sketching, the girls to their garland-making, and fora little while the sunny woodland nook was full of lively chat andpleasant laughter, for the air exhilarated them all like wine. Suddenly a man came running from the wood, pale and anxious, saying, as he hastened by for help, "Blasted tree fell on him! Bleed to deathbefore the doctor comes!"

"Who? who?" cried the startled trio. 

But the man ran on, with some breathless reply, in which only a namewas audible--"Basset. "

"The deuce it is!" and Randal dropped his pencil, while the girlssprang up in dismay. Then, with one impulse, they hastened to thedistant group, half visible behind the fallen trees and corded wood. 

Sophie was there first, and forcing her way through the little crowdof men, saw a red-shirted figure on the ground, crushed and bleeding, and threw herself down beside it with a cry that pierced the hearts ofthose who heard it. 

In the act she saw it was not Saul, and covered her bewildered face asif to hide its joy. A strong arm lifted her, and the familiar voicesaid cheeringly, --

"I'm all right, dear. Poor Bruce is hurt, but we've sent for help. Better go right home and forget all about it. "

"Yes, I will, if I can do nothing;" and Sophie meekly returned to herfriends who stood outside the circle over which Saul's head towered, assuring them of his safety. 

Hoping they had not seen her agitation, she led Emily away, leavingRandal to give what aid he could and bring them news of the poorwood-chopper's state. 

Aunt Plumy produced the "camphire" the moment she saw Sophie's paleface, and made her lie down, while the brave old lady trudged brisklyoff with bandages and brandy to the scene of action. On her return shebrought comfortable news of the man, so the little flurry blew overand was forgotten by all but Sophie, who remained pale and quiet allthe evening, tying evergreen as if her life depended on it. 

"A good night's sleep will set her up. She ain't used to such things, dear child, and needs cossetin', " said Aunt Plumy, purring over heruntil she was in her bed, with a hot stone at her feet and a bowl ofherb tea to quiet her nerves. 

An hour later when Emily went up, she peeped in to see if Sophie wassleeping nicely, and was surprised to find the invalid wrapped in adressing-gown writing busily. 

"Last will and testament, or sudden inspiration, dear? How are you?faint or feverish, delirious or in the dumps! Saul looks so anxious, and Mrs. Basset hushes us all up so, I came to bed, leaving Randal toentertain Ruth. "

As she spoke Emily saw the papers disappear in a portfolio, and Sophierose with a yawn. 

"I was writing letters, but I'm sleepy now. Quite over my foolishfright, thank you. Go and get your beauty sleep that you may dazzlethe natives to-morrow. "

"So glad, good night;" and Emily went away, saying to herself, "Something is going on, and I must find out what it is before I leave. Sophie can't blind _me_. "

But Sophie did all the next day, being delightfully gay at the dinner, and devoting herself to the young minister who was invited to meetthe distinguished novelist, and evidently being afraid of him, gladlybasked in the smiles of his charming neighbor. A dashing sleigh-rideoccupied the afternoon, and then great was the fun and excitement overthe costumes. 

Aunt Plumy laughed till the tears rolled down her cheeks as the girlscompressed her into the plum-colored gown with its short waist, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and narrow skirt. But a worked scarf hid alldeficiencies, and the towering cap struck awe into the soul of themost frivolous observer. 

"Keep an eye on me, girls, for I shall certainly split somewheres orlose my head-piece off when I'm trottin' round. What would my blessedmother say if she could see me rigged out in her best things?" andwith a smile and a sigh the old lady departed to look after "theboys, " and see that the supper was all right. 

Three prettier damsels never tripped down the wide staircase than thebrilliant brunette in crimson brocade, the pensive blonde in blue, orthe rosy little bride in old muslin and white satin. 

A gallant court gentleman met them in the hall with a superb bow, and escorted them to the parlor, where Grandma Basset's ghost wasdiscovered dancing with a modern major in full uniform. 

Mutual admiration and many compliments followed, till other ancientladies and gentlemen arrived in all manner of queer costumes, and theold house seemed to wake from its humdrum quietude to sudden music andmerriment, as if a past generation had returned to keep its Christmasthere. 

The village fiddler soon struck up the good old tunes, and then thestrangers saw dancing that filled them with mingled mirth and envy; itwas so droll, yet so hearty. The young men, unusually awkward in theirgrandfathers' knee-breeches, flapping vests, and swallow-tail coats, footed it bravely with the buxom girls who were the prettier for theirquaintness, and danced with such vigor that their high combs stoodawry, their furbelows waved wildly, and their cheeks were as red astheir breast-knots, or hose. 

It was impossible to stand still, and one after the other the cityfolk yielded to the spell, Randal leading off with Ruth, Sophie sweptaway by Saul, and Emily being taken possession of by a young giant ofeighteen, who spun her around with a boyish impetuosity that took herbreath away. Even Aunt Plumy was discovered jigging it alone in thepantry, as if the music was too much for her, and the plates andglasses jingled gaily on the shelves in time to Money Musk andFishers' Hornpipe. 

A pause came at last, however, and fans fluttered, heated brows werewiped, jokes were made, lovers exchanged confidences, and every nookand corner held a man and maid carrying on the sweet game which isnever out of fashion. There was a glitter of gold lace in the backentry, and a train of blue and primrose shone in the dim light. Therewas a richer crimson than that of the geraniums in the deep window, and a dainty shoe tapped the bare floor impatiently as the brilliantblack eyes looked everywhere for the court gentleman, while theirowner listened to the gruff prattle of an enamored boy. But in theupper hall walked a little white ghost as if waiting for some shadowycompanion, and when a dark form appeared ran to take its arm, saying, in a tone of soft satisfaction, --

"I was so afraid you wouldn't come!"

"Why did you leave me, Ruth?" answered a manly voice in a tone ofsurprise, though the small hand slipping from the velvet coat-sleevewas replaced as if it was pleasant to feel it there. 

A pause, and then the other voice answered demurely, --

"Because I was afraid my head would be turned by the fine things youwere saying. "

"It is impossible to help saying what one feels to such an artlesslittle creature as you are. It does me good to admire anything sofresh and sweet, and won't harm you. "

"It might if--"

"If what, my daisy?"

"I believed it, " and a laugh seemed to finish the broken sentencebetter than the words. 

"You may, Ruth, for I do sincerely admire the most genuine girl I haveseen for a long time. And walking here with you in your bridal white Iwas just asking myself if I should not be a happier man with a homeof my own and a little wife hanging on my arm than drifting about theworld as I do now with only myself to care for. "

"I know you would!" and Ruth spoke so earnestly that Randal was bothtouched and startled, fearing he had ventured too far in a mood ofunwonted sentiment, born of the romance of the hour and the sweetfrankness of his companion. 

"Then you don't think it would be rash for some sweet woman to take mein hand and make me happy, since fame is a failure?"

"Oh, no; it would be easy work if she loved you. I know some one--if Ionly dared to tell her name. "

"Upon my soul, this is cool, " and Randal looked down, wondering if theaudacious lady on his arm could be shy Ruth. 

If he had seen the malicious merriment in her eyes he would have beenmore humiliated still, but they were modestly averted, and the faceunder the little hat was full of a soft agitation rather dangerouseven to a man of the world. 

"She is a captivating little creature, but it is too soon for anythingbut a mild flirtation. I must delay further innocent revelations or Ishall do something rash. "

While making this excellent resolution Randal had been pressing thehand upon his arm and gently pacing down the dimly lighted hallwith the sound of music in his ears, Ruth's sweetest roses in hisbutton-hole, and a loving little girl beside him, as he thought. 

"You shall tell me by and by when we are in town. I am sure you willcome, and meanwhile don't forget me. "

"I am going in the spring, but I shall not be with Sophie, " answeredRuth, in a whisper. 

"With whom then? I shall long to see you. "

"With my husband. I am to be married in May. "

"The deuce you are!" escaped Randal, as he stopped short to stare athis companion, sure she was not in earnest. 

But she was, for as he looked the sound of steps coming up the backstairs made her whole face flush and brighten with the unmistakableglow of happy love, and she completed Randal's astonishment by runninginto the arms of the young minister, saying with an irrepressiblelaugh, "Oh, John, why didn't you come before?"

The court gentleman was all right in a moment, and the coolest ofthe three as he offered his congratulations and gracefully retired, leaving the lovers to enjoy the tryst he had delayed. But as he wentdown stairs his brows were knit, and he slapped the broad railingsmartly with his cocked hat as if some irritation must find vent in amore energetic way than merely saying, "Confound the little baggage!"under his breath. 

Such an amazing supper came from Aunt Plumy's big pantry that the cityguests could not eat for laughing at the queer dishes circulatingthrough the rooms, and copiously partaken of by the hearty youngfolks. 

Doughnuts and cheese, pie and pickles, cider and tea, baked beans andcustards, cake and cold turkey, bread and butter, plum pudding andFrench bonbons, Sophie's contribution. 

"May I offer you the native delicacies, and share your plate? Bothare very good, but the china has run short, and after such vigorousexercise as you have had you must need refreshment. I'm sure I do!"said Randal, bowing before Emily with a great blue platter laden withtwo doughnuts, two wedges of pumpkin pie and two spoons. 

The smile with which she welcomed him, the alacrity with which shemade room beside her and seemed to enjoy the supper he brought, was sosoothing to his ruffled spirit that he soon began to feel that thereis no friend like an old friend, that it would not be difficult toname a sweet woman who would take him in hand and would make him happyif he cared to ask her, and he began to think he would by and by, itwas so pleasant to sit in that green corner with waves of crimsonbrocade flowing over his feet, and a fine face softening beautifullyunder his eyes. 

The supper was not romantic, but the situation was, and Emily foundthat pie ambrosial food eaten with the man she loved, whose eyestalked more eloquently than the tongue just then busy with a doughnut. Ruth kept away, but glanced at them as she served her company, and herown happy experience helped her to see that all was going well in thatquarter. Saul and Sophie emerged from the back entry with shiningcountenances, but carefully avoided each other for the rest of theevening. No one observed this but Aunt Plumy from the recesses of herpantry, and she folded her hands as if well content, as she murmuredfervently over a pan full of crullers, "Bless the dears! Now I can diehappy. "

Every one thought Sophie's old-fashioned dress immensely becoming, andseveral of his former men said to Saul with blunt admiration, "Major, you look to-night as you used to after we'd gained a big battle. "

"I feel as if I had, " answered the splendid Major, with eyes muchbrighter than his buttons, and a heart under them infinitely prouderthan when he was promoted on the field of honor, for his Waterloo waswon. 

There was more dancing, followed by games, in which Aunt Plumy shonepre-eminent, for the supper was off her mind and she could enjoyherself. There were shouts of merriment as the blithe old lady twirledthe platter, hunted the squirrel, and went to Jerusalem like a girl ofsixteen; her cap in a ruinous condition, and every seam of the purpledress straining like sails in a gale. It was great fun, but atmidnight it came to an end, and the young folks, still bubbling overwith innocent jollity, went jingling away along the snowy hills, unanimously pronouncing Mrs. Basset's party the best of the season. 

"Never had such a good time in my life!" exclaimed Sophie, as thefamily stood together in the kitchen where the candles among thewreaths were going out, and the floor was strewn with wrecks of pastjoy. 

"I'm proper glad, dear. Now you all go to bed and lay as late as youlike to-morrow. I'm so kinder worked up I couldn't sleep, so Saul andme will put things to rights without a mite of noise to disturb you;"and Aunt Plumy sent them off with a smile that was a benediction, Sophie thought. 

"The dear old soul speaks as if midnight was an unheard-of hour forChristians to be up. What would she say if she knew how we seldom goto bed till dawn in the ball season? I'm so wide awake I've half amind to pack a little. Randal must go at two, he says, and we shallwant his escort, " said Emily, as the girls laid away their brocades inthe press in Sophie's room. 

"I'm not going. Aunt can't spare me, and there is nothing to go foryet, " answered Sophie, beginning to take the white chrysanthemums outof her pretty hair. 

"My dear child, you will die of ennui up here. Very nice for a weekor so, but frightful for a winter. We are going to be very gay, andcannot get on without you, " cried Emily dismayed at the suggestion. 

"You will have to, for I'm not coming. I am very happy here, and sotired of the frivolous life I lead in town, that I have decided totry a better one, " and Sophie's mirror reflected a face full of thesweetest content. 

"Have you lost your mind? experienced religion? or any other dreadfulthing? You always were odd, but this last freak is the strangest ofall. What will your guardian say, and the world?" added Emily in theawe-stricken tone of one who stood in fear of the omnipotent Mrs. Grundy. 

"Guardy will be glad to be rid of me, and I don't care that for theworld, " cried Sophie, snapping her fingers with a joyful sort ofrecklessness which completed Emily's bewilderment. 

"But Mr. Hammond? Are you going to throw away millions, lose yourchance of making the best match in the city, and driving the girls ofour set out of their wits with envy?"

Sophie laughed at her friend's despairing cry, and turning round saidquietly, --

"I wrote to Mr. Hammond last night, and this evening received myreward for being an honest girl. Saul and I are to be married in thespring when Ruth is. "

Emily fell prone upon the bed as if the announcement was too muchfor her, but was up again in an instant to declare with propheticsolemnity, --

"I knew something was going on, but hoped to get you away before youwere lost. Sophie, you will repent. Be warned, and forget this saddelusion. "

"Too late for that. The pang I suffered yesterday when I thought Saulwas dead showed me how well I loved him. To-night he asked me to stay, and no power in the world can part us. Oh! Emily, it is all so sweet, so beautiful, that _everything_ is possible, and I know I shall behappy in this dear old home, full of love and peace and honest hearts. I only hope you may find as true and tender a man to live for as mySaul. "

Sophie's face was more eloquent than her fervent words, and Emilybeautifully illustrated the inconsistency of her sex by suddenlyembracing her friend, with the incoherent exclamation, "I think Ihave, dear! Your brave Saul is worth a dozen old Hammonds, and I dobelieve you are right. "

It is unnecessary to tell how, as if drawn by the irresistible magicof sympathy, Ruth and her mother crept in one by one to join themidnight conference and add their smiles and tears, tender hopes andproud delight to the joys of that memorable hour. Nor how Saul, unableto sleep, mounted guard below, and meeting Randal prowling down tosoothe his nerves with a surreptitious cigar found it impossible tohelp confiding to his attentive ear the happiness that would breakbounds and overflow in unusual eloquence. 

Peace fell upon the old house at last, and all slept as if some magicherb had touched their eyelids, bringing blissful dreams and a gladawakening. 

"Can't we persuade you to come with us, Miss Sophie?" asked Randalnext day, as they made their adieux. 

"I'm under orders now, and dare not disobey my superior officer, "answered Sophie, handing her Major his driving gloves, with a lookwhich plainly showed that she had joined the great army of devotedwomen who enlist for life and ask no pay but love. 

"I shall depend on being invited to your wedding, then, and yours, too, Miss Ruth, " added Randal, shaking hands with "the littlebaggage, " as if he had quite forgiven her mockery and forgotten hisown brief lapse into sentiment. 

Before she could reply Aunt Plumy said, in a tone of calm conviction, that made them all laugh, and some of them look conscious, --

"Spring is a good time for weddin's, and I shouldn't wonder ef therewas quite a number. "

"Nor I;" and Saul and Sophie smiled at one another as they saw howcarefully Randal arranged Emily's wraps. 

Then with kisses, thanks and all the good wishes that happy heartscould imagine, the guests drove away, to remember long and gratefullythat pleasant country Christmas. 

ON PICKET DUTY

"Better late than never. "

"What air you thinkin' of, Phil?"

"My wife, Dick. "

"So was I! Ain't it odd how fellers fall to thinkin' of thar littlewomen, when they get a quiet spell like this?"

"Fortunate for us that we do get it, and have such memories to keepus brave and honest through the trials and temptations of a life likeours. "

October moonlight shone clearly on the solitary tree, draped withgray moss, scarred by lightning and warped by wind, looking like avenerable warrior, whose long campaign was nearly done; and underneathwas posted the guard of four. Behind them twinkled many camp-fires ona distant plain, before them wound a road ploughed by the passage ofan army, strewn with the relics of a rout. On the right, a sluggishriver glided, like a serpent, stealthy, sinuous, and dark, into aseemingly impervious jungle; on the left, a Southern swamp filled theair with malarial damps, swarms of noisome life, and discordant soundsthat robbed the hour of its repose. The men were friends as well ascomrades, for though gathered from the four quarters of the Union, and dissimilar in education, character, and tastes, the same spiritanimated all; the routine of camp-life threw them much together, andmutual esteem soon grew into a bond of mutual good fellowship. 

Thorn was a Massachusetts volunteer; a man who seemed too early old, too early embittered by some cross, for, though grim of countenance, rough of speech, cold of manner, a keen observer would have soondiscovered traces of a deeper, warmer nature hidden behind therepellent front he turned upon the world. A true New Englander, thoughtful, acute, reticent, and opinionated; yet earnest withal, intensely patriotic, and often humorous, despite a touch of Puritanausterity. 

Phil, the "romantic chap, " as he was called, looked his character tothe life. Slender, swarthy, melancholy-eyed, and darkly-bearded; withfeminine features, mellow voice, and alternately languid or vivaciousmanners. A child of the South in nature as in aspect, ardent andproud; fitfully aspiring and despairing; without the native energywhich moulds character and ennobles life. Months of discipline anddevotion had done much for him, and some deep experience was fastripening the youth into a man. 

Flint, the long-limbed lumberman, from the wilds of Maine, was aconscript who, when government demanded his money or his life, calculated the cost, and decided that the cash would be a dead lossand the claim might be repeated, whereas the conscript would get bothpay and plunder out of government, while taking excellent carethat government got very little out of him. A shrewd, slow-spoken, self-reliant specimen, was Flint; yet something of the fresh flavor ofthe backwoods lingered in him still, as if Nature were loath to givehim up, and left the mark of her motherly hand upon him, as she leavesit in a dry, pale lichen, on the bosom of the roughest stone. 

Dick "hailed" from Illinois, and was a comely young fellow, full ofdash and daring; rough and rowdy, generous and jolly, overflowing withspirits and ready for a free fight with all the world. 

Silence followed the last words, while the friendly moon climbed upthe sky. Each man's eye followed it, and each man's heart was busywith remembrances of other eyes and hearts that might be watching andwishing as theirs watched and wished. In the silence, each shaped forhimself that vision of home that brightens so many camp-fires, hauntsso many dreamers under canvas roofs, and keeps so many turbulentnatures tender by memories which often are both solace and salvation. 

Thorn paced to and fro, his rifle on his shoulder, vigilant andsoldierly, however soft his heart might be. Phil leaned against thetree, one hand in the breast of his blue jacket, on the paintedpresentment of the face his fancy was picturing in the golden circleof the moon. Flint lounged on the sward, whistling softly as hewhittled at a fallen bough. Dick was flat on his back, heels in air, cigar in mouth, and some hilarious notion in his mind, for suddenly hebroke into a laugh. 

"What is it, lad?" asked Thorn, pausing in his tramp, as if willing tobe drawn from the disturbing thought that made his black brows lowerand his mouth look grim. 

"Thinkin' of my wife, and wishin' she was here, bless her heart! setme rememberin' how I see her fust, and so I roared, as I always dowhen it comes into my head. "

"How was it? Come, reel off a yarn, and let's hear houw yeou hitchedteams, " said Flint, always glad to get information concerning hisneighbors, if it could be cheaply done. 

"Tellin' how we found our wives wouldn't be a bad game, would it, Phil?"

"I'm agreeable; but let's have your romance first. "

"Devilish little of that about me or any of my doin's. I hatesentimental bosh as much as you hate slang, and should have been abachelor to this day if I hadn't seen Kitty jest as I did. You see, I'd been too busy larkin' round to get time for marryin', till acouple of years ago, when I did up the job double-quick, as I'd liketo do this thunderin' slow one, hang it all!"

"Halt a minute till I give a look, for this picket isn't going to bedriven in or taken while I'm on guard. "

Down his beat went Thorn, reconnoitring river, road, and swamp, as thoroughly as one pair of keen eyes could do it, and came backsatisfied, but still growling like a faithful mastiff on the watch;performances which he repeated at intervals till his own turn came. 

"I didn't have to go out of my own State for a wife, you'd betterbelieve, " began Dick, with a boast, as usual; "for we raise as fine acrop of girls thar as any State in or out of the Union, and don't mindraisin' Cain with any man who denies it. I was out on a gunnin' trampwith Joe Partridge, a cousin of mine, --poor old chap! he fired hislast shot at Gettysburg, and died game in a way he didn't dream of theday we popped off the birds together. It ain't right to joke that way;I won't if I can help it; but a feller gets awfully kind of heathenishthese times, don't he?"

"Settle up them scores byme-by; fightin' Christians is scurse raoundhere. Fire away, Dick. "

"Well, we got as hungry as hounds half a dozen mile from home, andwhen a farmhouse hove in sight, Joe said he 'd ask for a bite, andleave some of the plunder for pay. I was visitin' Joe, didn't knowfolks round, and backed out of the beggin' part of the job; so he wentahead alone. We'd come out of the woods behind the house, and whileJoe was foragin', I took a reconnoissance. The view was fust-rate, forthe main part of it was a girl airin' beds on the roof of a stoop. Now, jest about that time, havin' a leisure spell, I'd begun to thinkof marryin', and took a look at all the girls I met, with an eye tobusiness. I s'pose every man has some sort of an idee or pattern ofthe wife he wants; pretty and plucky, good and gay was mine, but I'dnever found it till I see Kitty; and as she didn't see me, I had theadvantage and took an extra long stare. "

"What was her good p'ints, hey?"

"Oh, well, she had a wide-awake pair of eyes, a bright, jolly sortof a face, lots of curly hair tumblin' out of her net, a trig littlefigger, and a pair of the neatest feet and ankles that ever stepped. 'Pretty, ' thinks I; 'so far so good. ' The way she whacked the pillers, shook the blankets, and pitched into the beds was a caution; speciallyone blunderin' old feather-bed that wouldn't do nothin' but sag roundin a pigheaded sort of way, that would have made most girls get madand give up. Kitty didn't, but just wrastled with it like a good one, till she got it turned, banged, and spread to suit her; then sheplumped down in the middle of it, with a sarcy little nod and chuckleto herself, that tickled me mightily. 'Plucky, ' thinks I, 'better'n' better. ' Jest then an old woman came flyin' out the back-door, callin', 'Kitty! Kitty! Squire Partridge's son's here, 'long with afriend; been gunnin', want luncheon, and I'm all in the suds; do comedown and see to 'em. '

"'Where are they?' says Kitty, scrambling up her hair and settlin' hergown in a jiffy, as women have a knack of doin', you know. 

"'Mr. Joe's in the front entry; the other man's somewheres round, Billy says, waitin' till I send word whether they can stop. I darsn'ttill I'd seen you, for I can't do nothin', I'm in such a mess, ' saysthe old lady. 

"'So am I, for I can't get in except by the entry window, and he'llsee me, ' says Kitty, gigglin' at the thoughts of Joe. 

"'Come down the ladder, there's a dear. I'll pull it round and keep itstiddy, ' says the mother. 

"'Oh, ma, don't ask me!' says Kitty, with a shiver. 'I'm dreadfullyscared of ladders since I broke my arm off this very one. It's sohigh, it makes me dizzy jest to think of. '

"'Well, then, I'll do the best I can; but I wish them boys was toJericho!' says the old lady, with a groan, for she was fat and hot, had her gown pinned up, and was in a fluster generally. She was goin'off rather huffy, when Kitty called out, --

"'Stop, ma! I'll come down and help you, only ketch me if I tumble. '

"She looked scared but stiddy, and I'll bet it took as much grit forher to do it as for one of us to face a battery. It don't seem much totell of, but I wish I may be hit if it wasn't a right down dutifuland clever thing to see done. When the old lady took her off at thebottom, with a good motherly hug, 'Good, ' thinks I; 'what more do youwant?'"

"A snug little property wouldn't a ben bad, I reckon, " said Flint. 

"Well, she had it, old skin-flint, though I didn't know or care aboutit then. What a jolly row she'd make if she knew I was tellin' theladder part of the story! She always does when I get to it, and makesbelieve cry, with her head in my breast-pocket, or any such handyplace, till I take it out and swear I'll never do so ag'in. Poorlittle Kit, I wonder what she's doin' now. Thinkin' of me, I'll bet. "

Dick paused, pulled his cap lower over his eyes, and smoked a minutewith more energy than enjoyment, for his cigar was out and he did notperceive it. 

"That's not all, is it?" asked Thorn, taking a fatherly interest inthe younger man's love passages. 

"Not quite. 'Fore long, Joe whistled, and as I always take short cutseverywhar, I put in at the back-door, jest as Kitty come trottin' outof the pantry with a big berry-pie in her hand. I startled her, shetripped over the sill and down she come; the dish flew one way, thepie flopped into her lap, the juice spatterin' my boots and her cleangown. I thought she'd cry, scold, have hysterics, or some confoundedthing or other; but she jest sat still a minute, then looked up atme with a great blue splash on her face, and went off into thegood-naturedest gale of laughin' you ever heard in your life. Thatfinished me. 'Gay, ' thinks I; 'go in and win. ' So I did; made lovehand over hand, while I stayed with Joe; pupposed a fortnight after, married her in three months, and there she is, a tiptop little woman, with a pair of stunnin' boys in her arms!"

Out came a well-worn case, and Dick proudly displayed the likeness ofa stout, much bejewelled young woman with two staring infants on herknee. In his sight, the poor picture was a more perfect work of artthan any of Sir Joshua's baby-beauties, or Raphael's Madonnas, and thelittle story needed no better sequel than the young father's praisesof his twins, the covert kiss he gave their mother when he turnedas if to get a clearer light upon the face. Ashamed to show thetenderness that filled his honest heart, he hummed "Kingdom Coming, "relit his cigar, and presently began to talk again. 

"Now, then, Flint, it's your turn to keep guard, and Thorn's to tellhis romance. Come, don't try to shirk; it does a man good to talk ofsuch things, and we're all mates here. "

"In some cases it don't do any good to talk of such things; better let'em alone, " muttered Thorn, as he reluctantly sat down, while Flint asreluctantly departed. 

With a glance and gesture of real affection, Phil laid his hand uponhis comrade's knee, saying in his persuasive voice, "Old fellow, it _will_ do you good, because I know you often long to speak ofsomething that weighs upon you. You've kept us steady many a time, and done us no end of kindnesses; why be too proud to let us give oursympathy in return, if nothing more?"

Thorn's big hand closed over the slender one upon his knee, and themild expression, so rarely seen upon his face, passed over it as hereplied, --

"I think I could tell you almost anything if you asked me that way, my boy. It isn't that I am too proud, --and you're right about mysometimes wanting to free my mind, --but it's because a man of fortydon't just like to open out to young fellows, if there is any dangerof their laughing at him, though he may deserve it. I guess thereisn't now, and I'll tell you how I found my wife. "

Dick sat up, and Phil drew nearer, for the earnestness that was inthe man dignified his plain speech, and inspired an interest in hishistory, even before it was begun. Looking gravely at the river andnever at his hearers, as if still a little shy of confidants, yetgrateful for the relief of words, Thorn began abruptly:--

"I never hear the number eighty-four without clapping my hand to myleft breast and missing my badge. You know I was on the police in NewYork, before the war, and that's about all you do know yet. One bittercold night I was going my rounds for the last time, when, as I turneda corner, I saw there was a trifle of work to be done. It was a badpart of the city, full of dirt and deviltry; one of the streets led toa ferry, and at the corner an old woman had an apple-stall. The poorsoul had dropped asleep, worn out with the cold, and there were hergoods left with no one to watch 'em. Somebody was watching 'em. However; a girl, with a ragged shawl over her head, stood at the mouthof an alley close by, waiting for a chance to grab something. I'd seenher there when I went by before, and mistrusted she was up to somemischief; as I turned the corner, she put out her hand and cribbed anapple. She saw me the minute she did it, but neither dropped it norran, only stood stock still with the apple in her hand till I came up. 

"'This won't do, my girl, ' said I. I never could be harsh with 'em, poor things! She laid it back and looked up at me with a miserablesort of a smile, that made me put my hand in my pocket to fish for aninepence before she spoke. 

"'I know it won't, ' she says. 'I didn't want to do it, it's so mean, but I'm awful hungry, sir. '

"'Better run home and get your supper, then. '

"'I've got no home. '

"'Where do you live?'

"'In the street. '

"'Where do you sleep?'

"'Anywhere; last night in the lock-up, and I thought I'd get in thereagain, if I did that when you saw me. I like to go there, it's warmand safe. '

"'If I don't take you there, what will you do?'

"'Don't know. I could go over there and dance again as I used to, butbeing sick has made me ugly, so they won't have me, and no one elsewill take me because I have been there once. '

"I looked where she pointed, and thanked the Lord that they wouldn'ttake her. It was one of those low theatres that do so much damage tothe like of her; there was a gambling place one side of it, an eatingsaloon the other. I was new to the work then, but though I'd heardabout hunger and homelessness often enough, I'd never had this sort ofthing, nor seen that look on a girl's face. A white, pinched face herswas, with frightened, tired-looking eyes, but so innocent! She wasn'tmore than sixteen, had been pretty once, I saw, looked sick andstarved now, and seemed just the most helpless, hopeless little thingthat ever was. 

"'You 'd better come to the Station for to-night, and we'll see to youto-morrow, ' says I. 

"'Thank you, sir, ' says she, looking as grateful as if I'd asked herhome. I suppose I did speak kind of fatherly. I ain't ashamed to say Ifelt so, seeing what a child she was; nor to own that when she put herlittle hand in mine, it hurt me to feel how thin and cold it was. Wepassed the eating-house where the red lights made her face as rosy asit ought to have been; there was meat and pies in the window, and thepoor thing stopped to look. It was too much for her; off came hershawl, and she said in that coaxing way of hers, --

"'I wish you'd let me stop at the place close by and sell this;they'll give a little for it, and I'll get some supper. I've hadnothing since yesterday morning, and maybe cold is easier to bear thanhunger. '

"'Have you nothing better than that to sell?' I says, not quite surethat she wasn't all a humbug, like so many of 'em. She seemed to seethat, and looked up at me again with such innocent eyes, I couldn'tdoubt her when she said, shivering with something beside the cold, --

"'Nothing but myself. ' Then the tears came, and she laid her headclown on my arm, sobbing, --'Keep me! oh, do keep me safe somewhere!'"

Thorn choked here, steadied his voice with a resolute hem! but couldonly add one sentence more, --

"That's how I found my wife. "

"Come, don't stop thar. I told the whole o' mine, you do the same. Whar did you take her? how'd it all come round?"

"Please tell us, Thorn. "

The gentler request was answered presently, very steadily, veryquietly. 

"I was always a soft-hearted fellow, though you wouldn't think it now, and when that little girl asked me to keep her safe, I just did it. I took her to a good woman whom I knew, for I hadn't any women folksbelonging to me, nor any place but that to put her in. She stayedthere till spring working for her keep, growing brighter, prettier, every day, and fonder of me, I thought. If I believed in witchcraft, Ishouldn't think myself such a fool as I do now, but I don't believe init, and to this day I can't understand how I came to do it. To be sureI was a lonely man, without kith or kin, had never had a sweetheart inmy life, or been much with women since my mother died. Maybe that'swhy I was so bewitched with Mary, for she had little ways with herthat took your fancy and made you love her whether you would or no. I found her father was an honest fellow enough, a fiddler in sometheatre; that he'd taken good care of Mary till he died, leavingprecious little but advice for her to live on. She'd tried to getwork, failed, spent all she had, got sick, and was going to the bad, as the poor souls can hardly help doing with so many ready to givethem a shove. It's no use trying to make a bad job better; so the longand short of it was, I thought she loved me; God knows I loved her!and I married her before the year was out. "

"Show us her picture; I know you've got one; all the fellows have, though half of 'em won't own up. "

"I've only got part of one. I once saved my little girl, and herpicture once saved me. "

From an inner pocket Thorn produced a woman's housewife, carefullyuntied it, though all its implements were missing but a littlethimble, and from one of its compartments took a flattened bullet andthe remnants of a picture. 

"I gave her that the first Christmas after I found her. She wasn't astidy about her clothes as I liked to see, and I thought if I gave hera handy thing like this, she'd be willing to sew. But she only madeone shirt for me, and then got tired, so I keep it like an old fool, as I am. Yes, that's the bit of lead that would have done for me, ifMary's likeness hadn't been just where it was. "

"You'll like to show her this when you go home, won't you?" said Dick, as he took up the bullet, while Phil examined the marred picture, andThorn poised the little thimble on his big finger, with a sigh. 

"How can I, when I don't know where she is, and camp is all the homeI've got!"

The words broke from him like a sudden groan, when some old wound isrudely touched. Both of the young men started, both laid back therelics they had taken up, and turned their eyes from Thorn's face, across which swept a look of shame and sorrow, too significant to bemisunderstood. Their silence assured him of their sympathy, and, as ifthat touch of friendliness unlocked his heavy heart, he eased it bya full confession. When he spoke again, it was with the calmness ofrepressed emotion, a calmness more touching to his mates than the mostpassionate outbreak, the most pathetic lamentation; for the coarsecamp-phrases seemed to drop from his vocabulary; more than once hissoftened voice grew tremulous, and to the words "my little girl, "there went a tenderness that proved how dear a place she stillretained in that deep heart of his. 

"Boys, I've gone so far; I may as well finish; and you'll see I'm notwithout some cause for my stern looks and ways; you'll pity me, andfrom you I'll take the comfort of it. It's only the old story, --Imarried her, worked for her, lived for her, and kept my little girllike a lady. I should have known that I was too old and sober for ayoung thing like that, for the life she led before the pinch camejust suited her. She liked to be admired, to dress and dance and makeherself pretty for all the world to see; not to keep house for a quietman like me. Idleness wasn't good for her, it bred discontent; thensome of her old friends, who'd left her in her trouble, found her outwhen better times came round, and tried to get her back again. I wasaway all day, I didn't know how things were going, and she wasn't openwith me, afraid she said; I was so grave, and hated theatres so. Shegot courage finally to tell me that she wasn't happy; that she wantedto dance again, and asked me if she mightn't. I'd rather have had herask me to put her in a fire, for I _did_ hate theatres, and was bredto; others think they're no harm. I do; and knew it was a bad life fora girl like mine. It pampers vanity, and vanity is the Devil's helpwith such; so I said No, kindly at first, sharp and stern when shekept on teasing. That roused her spirit. 'I will go!' she said, oneday. 'Not while you are my wife, ' I answered back; and neither saidany more, but she gave me a look I didn't think she could, and Iresolved to take her away from temptation before worse came of it. 

"I didn't tell her my plan; but I resigned my place, spent a week ormore finding and fixing a little home for her out in the wholesomecountry, where she'd be safe from theatres and disreputable friends, and maybe learn to love me better when she saw how much she was tome. It was coming summer, and I made things look as home-like and aspretty as I could. She liked flowers, and I fixed a garden for her;she was fond of pets, and I got her a bird, a kitten, and a dog toplay with her; she fancied gay colors and tasty little matters, so Ifilled her rooms with all the handsome things I could afford, and whenit was done, I was as pleased as any boy, thinking what happy timeswe'd have together and how pleased she'd be. Boys, when I went to tellher and to take her to her little home, she was gone. "

"Who with?"

"With those cursed friends of her; a party of them left the city justthen; she was wild to go; she had money now, and all her good looksback again. They teased and tempted her; I wasn't there to keep her, and she went, leaving a line behind to tell me that she loved the oldlife more than the new; that my house was a prison, and she hoped I'dlet her go in peace. That almost killed me; but I managed to bear it, for I knew most of the fault was mine; but it was awful bitter tothink I hadn't saved her, after all. "

"Oh, Thorn! what did you do?"

"Went straight after her; found her dancing in Philadelphia, withpaint on her cheeks, trinkets on her neck and arms, looking prettierthan ever; but the innocent eyes were gone, and I couldn't see mylittle girl in the bold, handsome woman twirling there before thefootlights. She saw me, looked scared at first, then smiled, anddanced on with her eyes upon me, as if she said, --

"'See! I'm happy now; go away and let me be. '

"I couldn't stand that, and got out somehow. People thought me mad, ordrunk; I didn't care, I only wanted to see her once in quiet and tryto get her home. I couldn't do it then nor afterwards by fair means, and I wouldn't try force. I wrote to her, promised to forgive her, begged her to come back, or let me keep her honestly somewhere awayfrom me. But she never answered, never came, and I have never triedagain. "

"She wasn't worthy of you, Thorn; you jest forgit her. "

"I wish I could! I wish I could!" In his voice quivered an almostpassionate regret, and a great sob heaved his chest, as he turned hisface away to hide the love and longing, still so tender and so strong. 

"Don't say that, Dick; such fidelity should make us charitable forits own sake. There is always time for penitence, always certainty ofpardon. Take heart, Thorn, you may not wait in vain, and she may yetreturn to you. "

"I know she will! I've dreamed of it, I've prayed for it; every battleI come out of safe makes me surer that I was kept for that, and whenI've borne enough to atone for my part of the fault, I'll be repaidfor all my patience, all my pain, by finding her again. She knows howwell I love her still, and if there comes a time when she is sick andpoor and all alone again, then she'll remember her old John, thenshe'll come home and let me take her in. "

Hope shone in Thorn's melancholy eyes, and long-suffering, all-forgiving love beautified the rough, brown face, as he folded hisarms and bent his gray head on his breast, as if the wanderer werealready come. 

The emotion which Dick scorned to show on his own account was freelymanifested for another, as he sniffed audibly, and, boy-like, drew hissleeve across his eyes. But Phil, with the delicate perception of afiner nature, felt that the truest kindness he could show his friendwas to distract his thoughts from himself, to spare him any comments, and lessen the embarrassment which would surely follow such unwontedconfidence. 

"Now I'll relieve Flint, and he will give you a laugh. Come on, Hiram, and tell us about your Beulah. "

The gentleman addressed had performed his duty by sitting on a fenceand "righting up" his pockets, to beguile the tedium of his exile. Before his multitudinous possessions could be restored to their nativesphere, Thorn was himself again, and on his feet. 

"Stay where you are, Phil; I like to tramp, it seems like old times, and I know you're tired. Just forget all this I've been saying, and goon as before. Thank you, boys! thank you, " and with a grasp of the twohands extended to him, he strode away along the path already worn byhis own restless feet. 

"It's done him good, and I'm glad of that; but I'd like to see thelittle baggage that bewitched the poor old boy, wouldn't you, Phil?"

"Hush! here's Flint. "

"What's up naow? want me tew address the meetin', hey? I'm willin', only the laugh's ruther ag'inst me, ef I tell that story; expectyou'll like it all the better fer that. " Flint coiled up his longlimbs, put his hands in his pockets, chewed meditatively for a moment, and then began, with his slowest drawl:--

"Waal, sir, it's pretty nigh ten year ago, I was damster daown tewOldtaown, clos't to Banggore. My folks lived tew Bethel; there wasonly the old man, and Aunt Siloam, keepin' house fer him, seein' as Iwas the only chick he hed. I hedn't heared from 'em fer a long spell, when there come a letter sayin' the old man was breakin' up. He'd saidit every spring fer a number er years, and I didn't mind it no more'nthe breakin' up er the river; not so much, jest then; fer the gretspring drive was comin' on, and my hands was tew full to quit work alltew oncet. I sent word I'd be 'long 'fore a gret while, and byme-by Iwent. I ought tew hev gone at fust; but they'd sung aout 'Wolf!' sooften I warn't scared; an' sure 'nuff the wolf did come at last. Father hed been dead and berried a week when I got there, and auntwas so mad she wouldn't write, nor scurcely speak tew me for aconsider'ble spell. I didn't blame her a mite, and felt jest the wustkind; so I give in every way, and fetched her raound. Yeou see I beda cousin who'd kind er took my place tew hum while I was off, an'the old man hed left him a good slice er his money, an' me the farm, hopin' to keep me there. He'd never liked the lumberin' bizness, an'hankered arfter me a sight, I faound. Waal, seem' haow 'twas, I triedtew please him, late as it was; but ef there was ennything I didspleen ag'inst it was farmin', 'specially arfter the smart times I'dben hevin', up Oldtaown way. Yeou don't know nothin' abaout it; but efyeou want tew see high dewin's, jest hitch onto a timber-drive an' goit daown along them lakes and rivers, say from Kaumchenungamooth tewPunnobscot Bay. Guess yeou'd see a thing or tew, an' find livin' on alog come as handy as ef you was born a turtle. 

"Waal, I stood it one summer; but it was the longest kind of a job. Come fall I turned contry, darned the farm, and vaowed I'd go back tewloggin'. Aunt hed got fond er me by that time, and felt dreadful badabaout my leavin' on her. Cousin Siah, as we called Josiah, didn'tcotton tew the old woman, though he did tew her cash; but we hitchedalong fust-rate. She was 'tached tew the place, hated tew hev it letor sold, thought I'd go to everlastin' rewin ef I took tew lumberin'ag'in, an' hevin' a tidy little sum er money all her own, she tooka notion tew buy me off. 'Hiram, ' sez she, 'ef yeou'll stay to hum, merry some smart girl, an' kerry on the farm, I'll leave yeou the huller my fortin. Ef yeou don't, I'll leave every cent on't tew Siah, though he ain't done as waal by me as yeou hev. Come, ' sez she, 'I'mbreakin' up like brother; I shan't wurry any one a gret while, and'fore spring I dessay you'll hev cause tew rejice that yeou done asAunt Si counselled yeou. '

"Now, that idee kinder took me, seem' I hedn't no overpaourin' lovefer cousin; but I brewdid over it a spell 'fore I 'greed. Fin'lly, Isaid I'd dew it, as it warn't a hard nor a bad trade; and begun tolook raound fer Mis Flint, Jr. Aunt was dreadf'l pleased; but 'mazin'pertickler as tew who was goin' tew stan' in her shoes, when she wasfetched up ag'inst the etarnal boom. There was a sight er likelywomenfolks raound taown; but aunt she set her foot daown that MisFlint must be smart, pious, an' good-natered; harnsome she didn't saynothin' abaout, bein' the humliest woman in the State er Maine. I hedmy own calk'lations on that p'int, an' went sparkin' two or three erthe pootiest gals, all that winter. I warn't in no hurry, fer merryin'is an awful resky bizness; an' I wan't goan to be took in by nobuddy. Some haouw I couldn't make up my mind which I'd hev, and kept dodgin', all ready to slew raound, an' hitch on tew ary one that seemedlikeliest. 'Long in March, aunt, she ketched cold, took tew her bed, got wuss, an' told me tew hurry up, fer nary cent should I hev, ef Iwarn't safely merried 'fore she stepped out. I thought that was ruthercraoudin' a feller; but I see she was goan sure, an' I'd got inter away er considerin' the cash mine, so that it come hard to hear abaoutgivin' on 't up. Off I went that evenin' an' asked Almiry Nash efshe'd hev me. No, she wouldn't; I'd shilly-shallyed so long, she'd gottired er waitin' and took tew keepin' company with a doctor daown terBanggore, where she'd ben visitin' a spell. I didn't find that as harda nub to swaller, as I'd a thought I would, though Almiry was therichest, pootiest, and good-naterest of the lot. Aunt larfed waal, an'told me tew try ag'in; so a couple er nights arfter, I spruced up, an'went over to Car'line Miles's; she was as smart as old cheese, an'waal off in tew the barg'in. I was just as sure she'd hev me, as I bethat I'm gittin' the rewmatiz a settin' in this ma'sh. But that minx, Almiry, hed ben and let on abaout her own sarsy way er servin' onme, an' Car'line jest up an' said she warn't goan to hev annybuddy'sleavin's; so daown I come ag'in. 

"Things was gettin' desper't by that time; fer aunt was failin' rapid, an' the story hed leaked aout some way, so the hull taown was gigglin'over it. I thought I'd better quit them parts; but aunt she showed meher will all done complete, 'sceptin the fust name er the legatee. 'There, ' sez she, 'it all depends on yeou, whether that place is tookby Hiram or Josiah. It's easy done, an' so it's goan tew stan till thelast minit. ' That riled me consid'able, an' I streaked off tew MayJane Simlin's. She wan't very waal off, nor extra harnsome, but shewas pious the worst kind, an' dreadf'l clever to them she fancied. But I was daown on my luck ag'in; fer at the fust word I spoke ofmerryin', she showed me the door, an' give me to understan' that shecouldn't think er hevin' a man that warn't a church-member, thathadn't experienced religion, or even ben struck with conviction, an'all the rest on't. Ef anny one hed a wanted tew hev seen a walkin'hornet's nest, they could hev done it cheap that night, as I went hum. I jest bounced intew the kitchen, chucked my hat intew one corner, my coat intew 'nother, kicked the cat, cussed the fire, drawed up achair, and set scaoulin' like sixty, bein' tew mad fer talkin'. Theyoung woman that was nussin' aunt, --Bewlah Blish, by name, --was acooking grewel on the coals, and 'peared tew understan' the mess I wasin; but she didn't say nothin', only blowed up the fire, fetched me amug er cider, an' went raound so kinder quiet, and sympathizing that Ifound the wrinkles in my temper gettin' smoothed aout 'mazin' quick;an' fore long I made a clean breast er the hull thing. Bewlah larfed, but I didn't mind her doin' on't, for she sez, sez she, real sort o'cunnin', --

"'Poor Hiram! they didn't use yeou waal. Yeou ought to hev tried someer the poor an' humly girls; they'd a been glad an' grateful fer sucha sweetheart as yeou be. '

"I was good-natered ag'in by that time, an' I sez, larfin' along withher, 'Waal, I've got three mittens, but I guess I might's waal hev'nother, and that will make two pair complete. Say, Bewlah, will yeouhev me?'

"'Yes, I will. ' sez she. 

"'Reelly?' sez I. 

"'Solemn trew, ' sez she. 

"Ef she'd up an' slapped me in the face, I shouldn't hev ben morethrowed aback, fer I never mistrusted she cared two chips for me. Ijest set an' gawped; fer she was 'solemn trew, ' I see that with halfan eye, an' it kinder took my breath away. Bewlah drawed the greweloff the fire, wiped her hands, an' stood lookin' at me a minnet, thenshe sez, slow an' quiet, but tremblin' a little, as women hev a way erdoin', when they've consid'able steam aboard, --

"'Hiram, other folks think lumberin' has spilt yeou; _I_ don't; theycall you rough an' rewd; _I_ know you've got a real kind heart ferthem as knows haow tew find it. Them girls give yeou up so easy, 'cause they never loved yeou, an' yeou give them up 'cause you onlythought abaout their looks an' money. I'm humly, an' I'm poor; butI've loved yeou ever sence we went a-nuttin' years ago, an' yeou shookdaown fer me, kerried my bag, and kissed me tew the gate, when all theothers shunned me, 'cause my father drank an' I was shabby dressed, ugly, an' shy. Yeou asked me in sport, I answered in airnest; but Idon't expect nothin' unless yeou mean as I mean. Like me, Hiram, orleave me, it won't make no odds in my lovin' of yeou, nor helpin' ofyeou, ef I kin. '

"'Tain't easy tew say haouw I felt, while she was goin' on that way, but my idees was tumblin' raound inside er me, as ef half a dozen damswas broke loose all tew oncet. One think was ruther stiddier 'n therest, an' that was that I liked Bewlah more 'n I knew. I begun tew seewhat kep' me loafin' tew hum so much, sence aunt was took daown; why Iwan't in no hurry tew git them other gals, an' haow I come tew pocketmy mittens so easy arfter the fust rile was over. Bewlah _was_ humly, poor in flesh, dreadful freckled, hed red hair, black eyes, an' a gretmold side of her nose. But I'd got wonted tew her; she knowed my ways, was a fust rate housekeeper, real good-tempered, and pious withoutflingin' on't in yer face. She was a lonely creeter, --her folks bein'all dead but one sister, who didn't use her waal, an' somehow I kinderyearned over her, as they say in Scripter. For all I set an' gawped, Iwas coming raound fast, though I felt as I used tew, when I was goin'to shoot the rapids, kinder breathless an' oncertin, whether I'd comeaout right side up or not. Queer, warn't it?"

"Love, Flint; that was a sure symptom of it. "

"Waal, guess 'twas; anyway I jumped up all of a sudden, ketched Bewlahraound the neck, give her a hearty kiss, and sung aout, 'I'll dew itsure's my name's Hi Flint!' The words was scarcely out of my maouth, 'fore daown come Dr. Parr. He' d ben up tew see aunt, an' said shewouldn't last the night threw, prob'ly. That give me a scare er thewust kind; an' when I told doctor haow things was, he sez, kinderjokin', --

"'Better git merried right away, then. Parson Dill is tew come an' seethe old lady, an' he'll dew both jobs tew oncet. '

"'Will yeou, Bewlah?' sez I. 

"'Yes, Hiram, to 'blige yeou, ' sez she. 

"With that, I put it fer the license; got it, an' was back in less 'nhalf an haour, most tuckered aout with the flurry of the hull concern. Quick as I'd been, Bewlah hed faound time tew whip on her best gaoun, fix up her hair, and put a couple er white chrissanthymums intewher hand'chif pin. Fer the fust time in her life, she lookedharnsome, --leastways _I_ thought so, --with a pretty color in hercheeks, somethin' brighter'n a larf shinin' in her eyes, and her lipssmilin' an' tremblin', as she come to me an' whispered so's't none erthe rest could hear, --

"'Hiram, don't yeou dew it, ef yeou'd ruther not. I've stood it a gretwhile alone, an' I guess I can ag'in. '

"Never yeou mind what I said or done abaout that; but we was merriedten minutes arfter, 'fore the kitchen fire, with Dr. Parr an' aourhired man, fer witnesses; an' then we all went up tew aunt. She wasgoan fast, but she understood what I told her, hed strength tew fillup the hole in the will, an' to say, a-kissin' Bewlah, 'Yeou'll be agood wife, an' naow yeou ain't a poor one. '

"I couldn't help givin' a peek tew the will, and there I see not HiramFlint nor Josiah Flint, but Bewlah Flint, wrote every which way, butas plain as the nose on yer face. 'It won't make no odds, dear, 'whispered my wife, peekin' over my shoulder. 'Guess it won't!' sez I, aout laoud; 'I'm glad on't, and it ain't a cent more'n yeou derserve. '

"That pleased aunt. 'Riz me, Hiram, ' sez she; an' when I'd got hereasy, she put her old arms raound my neck, an' tried to say, 'Godbless you, dear--, ' but died a doin' of it; an' I ain't ashamedtew say I boohooed real hearty, when I laid her daown, fer she wasdreadf'l good tew me, an' I don't forgit her in a hurry. "

"How's Bewlah?" asked Dick, after the little tribute of respect allpaid to Aunt Siloam's memory, by a momentary silence. 

"Fust-rate! that harum-scarum venter er mine was the best I ever made. She's done waal by me, hes Bewlah; ben a grand good housekeeper, kinkerry on the farm better 'n me, any time, an' is as dutif'l an' lovin'a wife as, --waal, as annything that _is_ extra dutif'l and lovin'. "

"Got any boys to brag of?"

"We don't think much o' boys daown aour way; they're 'mazin' reskystock to fetch up, --alluz breakin' baounds, gittin' intew the paound, and wurryin' your life aout somehaow 'nother. Gals naow doos waal;I've got six o' the likeliest the is goin', every one on 'em is thevery moral of Bewlah, --red hair, black eyes, quiet ways, an' a mold'side the nose. Baby's ain't growed yet; but I expect tew see it in aconsid'able state o' forrardness, when I git hum, an' wouldn't miss itfer the world. "

The droll expression of Flint's face, and the satisfied twang of hislast words, were irresistible. Dick and Phil went off into a shout oflaughter; and even Thorn's grave lips relapsed into a smile at thevision of six little Flints with their six little moles. As if theact were an established ceremony, the "paternal head" produced hispocket-book, selected a worn black-and-white paper, which he spread inhis broad palm, and displayed with the air of a connoisseur. 

"There, thet's Bewlah! we call it a cuttin'; but the proper name's asilly-hoot, I b'leeve. I've got a harnsome big degarrytype tew hum, but the heft on't makes it bad tew kerry raound, so I took this. Idon't tote it abaout inside my shirt, as some dew, --it ain't my way;but I keep it in my wallet long with my other valleu'bles, and guess Iset as much store by it as ef it was all painted up, and done off tokill. "

The "silly-hoot" was examined with interest, and carefully stowed awayagain in the old brown wallet, which was settled in its place with asatisfied slap; then Flint said briskly, --

"Naouw, Phil, yeou close this interestin' and instructive meeting; andbe spry, fer time's most up. "

"I haven't much to tell, but must begin with a confession which I haveoften longed but never dared to make before, because I am a coward. "

"Sho! who's goan to b'leeve that o' a man who fit like a wild-cat, wuzoffered permotion on the field, and reported tew headquarters arfterhis fust scrimmage. Try ag'in, Phil. "

"Physical courage is as plentiful as brass buttons, nowadays, butmoral courage is a rarer virtue; and I'm lacking in it, as I'll prove. You think me a Virginian; I'm an Alabamian by birth, and was a Rebelthree months ago. "

This confession startled his hearers, as he knew it would, for hehad kept his secret well. Thorn laid his hand involuntarily upon hisrifle, Dick drew off a little, and Flint illustrated one of his ownexpressions, for he "gawped. " Phil laughed that musical laugh of his, and looked up at them with his dark face waking into sudden life, ashe went on:--

"There's no treason in the camp, for I'm as fierce a Federalist as anyof you now, and you may thank a woman for it. When Lee made his raidinto Pennsylvania, I was a lieutenant in the--well, never mind whatregiment, it hasn't signalized itself since, and I'd rather not hit myold neighbors when they are down. In one of the skirmishes during ourretreat, I got a wound and was left for dead. A kind old Quaker foundand took me home; but though I was too weak to talk, I had my sensesby that time, and knew what went on about me. Everything was inconfusion, even in that well-ordered place: no surgeon could be got atfirst, and a flock of frightened women thee'd and thou'd one anotherover me, but hadn't wit enough to see that I was bleeding to death. Among the faces that danced before my dizzy eyes was one that seemedfamiliar, probably because no cap surrounded it. I was glad to haveit bending over me, to hear a steady voice say, 'Give me a bandage, quick!' and when none was instantly forthcoming to me, the young ladystripped up a little white apron she wore, and stanched the wound inmy shoulder. I was not as badly hurt as I supposed, but so worn-out, and faint from loss of blood, they believed me to be dying, and so didI, when the old man took off his hat and said, --

"Friend, if thee has anything to say, thee had better say it, for theeprobably has not long to live. '

"I thought of my little sister, far away in Alabama, fancied she cameto me, and muttered, 'Amy, kiss me good-by. ' The women sobbed at that;but the girl bent her sweet compassionate face to mine, and kissed meon the forehead. That was my wife. "

"So you seceded from Secession right away, to pay for thatlip-service, hey?"

"No, Thorn, not right away, --to my shame be it spoken. I'll tellyou how it came about. Margaret was not old Bent's daughter, but aMassachusetts girl on a visit, and a long one it proved, for shecouldn't go till things were quieter. While she waited, she helpedtake care of me; for the good souls petted me like a baby when theyfound that a Rebel could be a gentleman. I held my tongue, and behavedmy best to prove my gratitude, you know. Of course, I loved Margaretvery soon. How could I help it? She was the sweetest woman I had everseen, tender, frank, and spirited; all I had ever dreamed of andlonged for. I did not speak of this, nor hope for a return, because Iknew she was a hearty Unionist, and thought she only tended me frompity. But suddenly she decided to go home, and when I ventured to wishshe would stay longer, she would not listen, and said, 'I must notstay; I should have gone before. '

"The words were nothing, but as she uttered them the color came upbeautifully over all her face, and her eyes filled as they looked awayfrom mine. Then I knew that she loved me, and my secret broke outagainst my will. Margaret was forced to listen, for I would not lether go, but she seemed to harden herself against me, growing colder, stiller, statelier, as I went on, and when I said in my desperateway, --

"'You should love me, for we are bid to love our enemies, ' she flashedan indignant look at me and said, --

"'I will not love what I cannot respect! Come to me a loyal man, andsee what answer I shall give you. '

"Then she went away. It was the wisest thing she could have done, for absence did more to change me than an ocean of tears, a yearof exhortations. Lying there, I missed her every hour of the day, recalled every gentle act, kind word, and fair example she had givenme. I contrasted my own belief with hers, and found a new significancein the words honesty and honor, and, remembering her fidelity toprinciple, was ashamed of my own treason to God and to herself. Education, prejudice, and interest, are difficult things to overcome, and that was the hottest fight I ever passed through, for as I tellyou, I was a coward. But love and loyalty won the day, and, asking noquarter, the Rebel surrendered. "

"Phil Beaufort, you're a brick!" cried Dick, with a sounding slap onhis comrade's shoulder. 

"A brand snatched from the burnin'. Hallelujah!" chanted Flint, seesawing with excitement. 

"Then you went to find your wife? How? Where?" asked Thorn, forgettingvigilance in interest. 

"Friend Bent hated war so heartily that he would have nothing to dowith paroles, exchanges, or any martial process whatever, but bade mego when and where I liked, remembering to do by others as I had beendone by. Before I was well enough to go, however, I managed, by meansof Copperhead influence and returned prisoners, to send a letter to myfather and receive an answer. You can imagine what both contained; andso I found myself penniless, but not poor, an outcast, but not alone. Old Bent treated me like a prodigal son, and put money in my purse;his pretty daughters loved me for Margaret's sake, and gave me apatriotic salute all round when I left them, the humblest, happiestman in Pennsylvania. Margaret once said to me that this was the timefor deeds, not words; that no man should stand idle, but serve thegood cause with head, heart, and hand, no matter in what rank; forin her eyes a private fighting for liberty was nobler than a dozengenerals defending slavery. I remembered that, and, not havinginfluential friends to get me a commission, enlisted in one of her ownMassachusetts regiments, knowing that no act of mine would prove mysincerity like that. You should have seen her face when I walked inupon her, as she sat alone, busied with the army work, as I'd so oftenseen her sitting by my bed; it showed me all she had been sufferingin silence, all I should have lost had I chosen darkness instead oflight. She hoped and feared so much she could not speak, neither couldI, but dropped my cloak, and showed her that, through love of her, Ihad become a soldier of the Union. How I love the coarse blue uniform!for when she saw it, she came to me without a word and kept herpromise in a month. "

"Thunder! what a harnsome woman!" exclaimed Flint, as Phil, openingthe golden case that held his talisman, showed them the beautiful, beloved face of which he spoke. 

"Yes! and a right noble woman too. I don't deserve her, but I will. Weparted on our wedding-day, for orders to be _off_ came suddenly, andshe would not let me go until I had given her my name to keep. We weremarried in the morning, and at noon I had to go. Other women wept aswe marched through the city, but my brave Margaret kept her tears tillwe were gone, smiling and waving her hand to me, --the hand that worethe wedding-ring, --till I was out of sight. That image of her isbefore me day and night, and day and night her last words are ringingin my ears, --

"'I give you freely, do your best. Better a true man's widow than atraitor's wife. '

"Boys, I've only stood on the right side for a month; I've only foughtone battle, earned one honor; but I believe these poor achievementsare an earnest of the long atonement I desire to make forfive-and-twenty years of blind transgression. You say I fight well. Have I not cause to dare much?--for in owning many slaves, I toobecame a slave; in helping to make many freemen, I liberate myself. You wonder why I refused promotion. Have I any right to it yet? Arethere not men who never sinned as I have done, and beside whosesacrifices mine look pitifully small? You tell me I have no ambition. I have the highest, for I desire to become God's noblest work, --anhonest man, --living, to make Margaret happy in a love that every hourgrows worthier of her own, --dying to make death proud to take me. "

Phil had risen while he spoke, as if the enthusiasm of his mood liftedhim into the truer manhood he aspired to attain. Straight and stronghe stood up in the moonlight, his voice deepened by unwontedenergy, his eye clear and steadfast, his whole face ennobled by theregenerating power of this late loyalty to country, wife, and self, and bright against the dark blue of his jacket shone the picturedface, the only medal he was proud to wear. 

Ah, brave, brief moment, cancelling years of wrong! Ah, fair and fataldecoration, serving as a mark for a hidden foe! The sharp crack of arifle broke the stillness of the night, and with those hopeful wordsupon his lips, the young man sealed his purpose with his life. 

THE BARON'S GLOVES;

OR, AMY'S ROMANCE

"All is fair in love and war. "

I

HOW THEY WERE FOUND

"What a long sigh! Are you tired, Amy?"

"Yes, and disappointed as well. I never would have undertaken thisjourney if I had not thought it would be full of novelty, romance, andcharming adventures. "

"Well, we have had several adventures. "

"Bah! losing one's hat in the Rhine, getting left at a dirty littleinn, and having our pockets picked, are not what I call adventures. Iwish there were brigands in Germany--it needs something of that sortto enliven its stupidity. "

"How can you call Germany stupid when you have a scene like thisbefore you?" said Helen, with a sigh of pleasure, as she looked fromthe balcony which overhangs the Rhine at the hotel of the "ThreeKings" at Coblentz. Ehrenbreitstein towered opposite, the broad riverglittered below, and a midsummer moon lent its enchantment to thelandscape. 

As she spoke, her companion half rose from the low chair where shelounged, and showed the pretty, piquant face of a young girl. Sheseemed in a half melancholy, half petulant mood; and traces of recentillness were visible in the languor of her movements and the pallor ofher cheeks. 

"Yes, it is lovely; but I want adventures and romance of some sortto make it quite perfect. I don't care what, if something would onlyhappen. "

"My dear, you are out of spirits and weary now, to-morrow you'll beyourself again. Do not be ungrateful to uncle or unjust to yourself. Something pleasant will happen, I've no doubt. In fact, something_has_ happened that you may make a little romance out of, perhaps, forlack of a more thrilling adventure. "

"What do you mean?" and Amy's listless face brightened. 

"Speak low; there are balconies all about us, and we may beoverheard, " said Helen, drawing nearer after an upward glance. 

"What is the beginning of a romance?" whispered Amy, eagerly. 

"A pair of gloves. Just now, as I stood here, and you lay with youreyes shut, these dropped from the balcony overhead. Now amuse yourselfby weaving a romance out of them and their owner. "

Amy seized them, and stepping inside the window, examined them by thecandle. 

"A gentleman's gloves, scented with violets! Here's a little holefretted by a ring on the third finger. Bless me! here are theinitials, 'S. P. , ' stamped on the inside, with a coat of arms below. What a fop to get up his gloves in this style! They are exquisite, though. Such a delicate color, so little soiled, and so prettilyornamented! Handsome hands wore these. I'd like to see the man. "

Helen laughed at the girl's interest, and was satisfied if any trifleamused her _ennui_. 

"I will send them back by the _kellner_, and in that way we maydiscover their owner, " she said. 

But Amy arrested her on the way to the door. 

"I've a better plan; these waiters are so stupid you'll get nothingout of them. Here's the hotel book sent up for our names; let us lookamong the day's arrivals and see who 'S. P. ' is. He came to-day, I'msure, for the man said the rooms above were just taken, so we couldnot have them. "

Opening the big book, Amy was soon intently poring over the long listof names, written in many hands and many languages. 

"I've got it! Here he is--oh, Nell, he's a baron! Isn't that charming?'Sigismund von Palsdorf, Dresden. ' We _must_ see him, for I know he'shandsome, if he wears such distracting gloves. "

"You'd better take them up yourself, then. "

"You know I can't do that; but I shall ask the man a few questions, just to get an idea what sort of person the baron is. Then I shallchange my mind and go down to dinner; shall look well about me, and ifthe baron is agreeable I shall make uncle return the gloves. He willthank us, and I can say I've known a real baron. That will be so nicewhen we go home. Now, don't be duennaish and say I'm silly, but let medo as I like, and come and dress. "

Helen submitted, and when the gong pealed through the house, MajorErskine marched into the great _salle à manger_, with a comely nieceon each arm. The long tables were crowded, and they had to run thegauntlet of many eyes as they made their way to the head of the uppertable. Before she touched her soup, Amy glanced down the line offaces opposite, and finding none that answered the slight descriptionelicited from the waiter, she leaned a little forward to examine thoseon her own side of the table. Some way down sat several gentlemen, andas she bent to observe them, one did the same, and she received anadmiring glance from a pair of fine black eyes. Somewhat abashed, shebusied herself with her soup: but the fancy had taken possession ofher, and presently she whispered to Helen, --

"Do you see any signs of the baron?"

"On my left; look at the hands. "

Amy looked and saw a white, shapely hand with an antique ring on thethird finger. Its owner's face was averted, but as he conversed withanimation, the hand was in full play, now emphasizing an opinion, nowlifting a glass, or more frequently pulling at a blond beard whichadorned the face of the unknown. Amy shook her head decidedly. 

"I hate light men, and don't think that is the baron, for the glovesare a size too small for those hands. Lean back and look some four orfive seats lower down on the right. See what sort of person the darkman with the fine eyes is. "

Helen obeyed, but almost instantly bent to her plate again, smiling inspite of herself. 

"That is an Englishman; he stares rudely, says 'By Jove!' and wears nojewelry or beard. "

"Now, I'm disappointed. Well, keep on the watch, and tell me if youmake any discoveries, for I _will_ find the baron. "

Being hungry, Amy devoted herself to her dinner, till dessert was onthe table. She was languidly eating grapes, while Helen talked withthe major, when the word "baron" caught her ear. The speakers sat at atable behind her, so that she could not see them without turning quiteround, which was impossible; but she listened eagerly to the followingscrap of chat:--

"Is the baron going on to-morrow?" asked a gay voice in French. 

"Yes, he is bound for Baden-Baden. The season is at its height, and hemust make his game while the ball is rolling, or it is all up with theopen-handed Sigismund, " answered a rough voice. 

"Won't his father pardon the last escapade?" asked a third, with alaugh. 

"No, and he is right. The duel was a bad affair, for the man almostdied, and the baron barely managed to get out of the scrape throughcourt influence. When is the wedding to be?"

"Never, Palsdorf says. There is everything but love in the bargain, and he swears he'll not agree to it. I like that. "

"There is much nobleness in him, spite of his vagaries. He will sowhis wild oats and make a grand man in time. By the by, if we are goingto the fortress, we must be off. Give Sigismund the word; he is diningat the other table with Power, " said the gay voice. 

"Take a look at the pretty English girl as you go by; it will do youreyes good, after the fat Frauleins we have seen of late, " added therough one. 

Three gentlemen rose, and as they passed Amy stole a glance at them;but seeing several pairs of eyes fixed on herself, she turned awayblushing, with the not unpleasant consciousness that "the prettyEnglish girl" was herself. Longing to see which Sigismund was, sheventured to look after the young men, who paused behind the man withthe blond beard, and also touched the dark-eyed gentleman on theshoulder. All five went down the hall and stood talking near the door. 

"Uncle, I wish to go, " said Amy, whose will was law to the amiablemajor. Up he rose, and Amy added, as she took his arm, "I'm seizedwith a longing to go to Baden-Baden and see a little gambling. You arenot a wild young man, so you can be trusted there. "

"I hope so. Now you are a sensible little woman, and we'll do our bestto have a gay time. Wait an instant till I get my hat. "

While the major searched for the missing article the girls went on, and coming to the door, Amy tried to open it. The unwieldy foreignlock resisted her efforts, and she was just giving it an impatientlittle shake, when a voice said behind her, --

"Permit me, mademoiselle;" at the same moment a handsome hand turnedthe latch, the flash of a diamond shone before her, and the dooropened. 

"_Merci, monsieur_, " she murmured, turning as she went out; but Helenwas close behind her, and no one else to be seen except the massivemajor in the rear. 

"Did you see the baron?" she whispered eagerly, as they wentup-stairs. 

"No; where was he?"

"He opened the door for me. I knew him by his hand and ring. He wasclose to you. "

"I did not observe him, being busy gathering up my dress. I thoughtthe person was a waiter, and never looked at him, " said Helen, withprovoking indifference. 

"How unfortunate! Uncle, you are going to see the fortress; we don'tcare for it; but I want you to take these gloves and inquire for BaronSigismund Palsdorf. He will be there with a party of gentlemen. Youcan easily manage it, men are so free and easy. Mind what he is like, and come home in time to tell me all about it. "

Away went the major, and the cousins sat on the balcony enjoying thelovely night, admiring the picturesque scene, and indulging inthe flights of fancy all girls love, for Helen, in spite of herthree-and-twenty years, was as romantic as Amy at eighteen. It waspast eleven when the major came, and the only greeting he received wasthe breathless question, --

"Did you find him?"

"I found something much better than any baron, a courier. I've wantedone ever since we started; for two young ladies and their baggage aremore than one man can do his duty by, Karl Hoffman had such excellenttestimonials from persons I know, that I did not hesitate to engagehim, and he comes to-morrow; so henceforth I've nothing to do butdevote myself to you. "

"How very provoking! Did you bring the gloves back?" asked Amy, stillabsorbed in the baron. 

The major tossed them to her, and indulged in a hearty laugh at hergirlish regrets; then bade them good-night, and went away to giveorders for an early start next morning. 

Tired of talking, the girls lay down in the two little white bedsalways found in German hotels, and Amy was soon continuing in sleepthe romance she had begun awake. She dreamed that the baron proved tobe the owner of the fine eyes; that he wooed and won her, and theywere floating down the river to the chime of wedding-bells. 

At this rapturous climax she woke to find the air full of music, andto see Helen standing tall and white in the moonlight that streamed inat the open window. 

"Hush, hide behind the curtains and listen; it's a serenade, "whispered Helen, as Amy stole to her side. 

Shrouded in the drapery, they leaned and listened till the song ended, then Amy peeped; a dark group stood below; all were bareheaded, andnow seemed whispering together. Presently a single voice rose, singingan exquisite little French canzonet, the refrain of which was apassionate repetition of the word "_Amie_. " She thought she recognizedthe voice, and the sound of her own name uttered in such ardent tonesmade her heart beat and her color rise, for it seemed to signify thatthe serenade was for them. As the last melodious murmur ceased, therecame a stifled laugh from below, and something fell into the balcony. Neither dared stir till the sound of departing feet reassured them;then creeping forward Amy drew in a lovely bouquet of myrtle, roses, and great German forget-me-nots, tied with a white ribbon andaddressed in a dashing hand to _La belle Helène_. 

"Upon my life, the romance has begun in earnest, " laughed Helen, as she examined the flowers. "You are serenaded by some unknownnightingale, and I have flowers tossed up to me in the charming oldstyle. Of course it is the baron, Amy. "

"I hope so; but whoever it is, they are regular troubadours, and I'mdelighted. I know the gloves will bring us fun of some kind. Do youtake one and I'll take the other, and see who will find the baronfirst. Isn't it odd that they knew our names?"

"Amy, the writing on this card is very like that in the big book. Imay be bewitched by this mid-summer moonlight, but it really is verylike it. Come and see. "

The two charming heads bent over the card, looking all the morecharming for the dishevelled curls and braids that hung about them asthe girls laughed and whispered together in the softly brilliant lightthat filled the room. 

"You are right; it is the same. The men who stared so at dinner aregay students perhaps, and ready for any prank. Don't tell uncle, butlet us see what will come of it. I begin to enjoy myself heartilynow--don't you?" said Amy, laying her glove carefully away. 

"I enjoyed myself before, but I think '_La belle Helène_' gives anadded relish to life, _Amie_, " laughed Nell, putting her flowers inwater; and then both went back to their pillows, to dream delightfullytill morning. 

II

KARL, THE COURIER

"Three days, at least, before we reach Baden. How tiresome it is thatuncle won't go faster!" said Amy, as she tied on her hat next morning, wondering as she did so if the baron would take the same boat. 

"As adventures have begun, I feel assured that they will continue tocheer the way; so resign yourself and be ready for anything, " repliedHelen, carefully arranging her bouquet in her travelling-basket. 

A tap at the door, which stood half open, made both look up. A tall, brown, gentlemanly man, in a gray suit, with a leathern bag slung overhis shoulder, stood there, hat in hand, and meeting Helen's eyes, bowed respectfully, saying in good English, but with a strong Germanaccent, --

"Ladies, the major desired me to tell you the carriage waits. "

"Why, who--" began Amy, staring with her blue eyes full of wonder atthe stranger. 

He bowed again, and said, simply, --

"Karl Hoffman, at your service, mademoiselle. "

"The courier--oh, yes! I forgot all about it. Please take thesethings. "

Amy began to hand him her miscellaneous collection of bags, books, shawls and cushions. 

"I'd no idea couriers were such decent creatures, " whispered Amy, asthey followed him along the hall. 

"Don't you remember the raptures Mrs. Mortimer used to have over theirItalian courier, and her funny description of him? 'Beautiful tobehold, with a night of hair, eyes full of an infinite tenderness, anda sumptuous cheek. '"

Both girls laughed, and Amy averred that Karl's eyes danced withmerriment as he glanced over his shoulder, as the silvery peal soundedbehind him. 

"Hush! he understands English; we must be careful, " said Helen, andneither spoke again till they reached the carriage. 

Everything was ready, and as they drove away, the major, leaningluxuriously back, exclaimed, --

"Now I begin to enjoy travelling, for I'm no longer worried bythe thought of luggage, time-tables, trains, and the everlastingperplexity of thalers, kreutzers, and pfenniges. This man is atreasure; everything is done in the best manner, and his knowledge ofmatters is really amazing. "

"He's a very gentlemanly-looking person, " said Amy, eying a decidedlyaristocratic foot through the front window of the carriage, for Karlsat up beside the driver. 

"He _is_ a gentleman, my dear. Many of these couriers are well bornand educated, but, being poor, prefer this business to any other, asit gives them variety, and often pleasant society. I've had a longtalk with Hoffman, and find him an excellent and accomplished fellow. He has lost his fortune, it seems, through no fault of his own, sobeing fond of a roving life, turned courier for a time, and we arefortunate to have secured him. "

"But one doesn't know how to treat him, " said Helen. "I don't liketo address him as a servant, and yet it's not pleasant to order agentleman about. "

"Oh, it will be easy enough as we go on together. Just call himHoffman, and behave as if you knew nothing about his past. He beggedme not to mention it, but I thought you'd like the romance of thething. Only don't either of you run away with him, as Ponsonby'sdaughter did with her courier, who wasn't a gentleman, by the way. "

"Not handsome enough, " said Amy. "I don't like blue eyes and blackhair. His manners are nice, but he looks like a gipsy, with his brownface and black beard: doesn't he, Nell?"

"Not at all. Gipsies haven't that style of face; they are thin, sharp, and cunning in feature as in nature. Hoffman has large, well-mouldedfeatures, and a mild, manly expression, which gives one confidence inhim. "

"He has a keen, wicked look in his blue eyes, as you will see, Nell. I mean mischievously, not malignantly wicked. He likes fun, I'm sure, for he laughed about the 'sumptuous cheek' till his own were red, though he dared not show it, and was as grave as an owl when we metuncle, " said Amy, smiling at the recollection. 

"We shall go by boat to Biebrich, and then by rail to Heidelberg. Weshall get in late to-morrow night, but can rest a day, and then on toBaden. Here we are; now make yourselves easy, as I do, and let Karltake care of everything. "

And putting his hands in his pockets, the major strolled about theboat, while the courier made matters comfortable for the day. Soeasily and well did he do his duty, that both girls enjoyed watchinghim after he had established them on the shady side of the boat, withcamp-stools for their feet, cushions to lean on, books and bags laidcommodiously at hand. 

As they sailed up the lovely Rhine they grew more and moreenthusiastic in their admiration and curiosity, and finding the meagredescription of the guide-books very unsatisfactory, Amy begged heruncle to tell her all the legends of picturesque ruin, rock and river, as they passed. 

"Bless me, child, I know nothing; but here's Hoffman, a German born, who will tell you everything, I dare say. Karl, what's that old castleup there? The young ladies want to know about it. "

Leaning on the railing, Hoffman told the story so well that he waskept explaining and describing for an hour, and when he went away toorder lunch, Amy declared it was as pleasant as reading fairy tales tolisten to his dramatic histories and legends. 

At lunch the major was charmed to find his favorite wines and disheswithout any need of consulting dictionary or phrase-book beforehand, or losing his temper in vain attempts to make himself understood. 

On reaching Biebrich, tired and hungry, at nightfall, everything wasready for them, and all went to bed praising Karl, the courier, thoughAmy, with unusual prudence, added, --

"He is a new broom now; let us wait a little before we judge. "

All went well next day till nightfall, when a most untoward accidentoccurred, and Helen's adventures began in earnest. The three occupieda _coupé_, and being weary with long sitting, Helen got out at one ofthe stations where the train paused for ten minutes. A rosy sunsettempted her to the end of the platform, and there she found, whatnearly all foreign railway stations possess, a charming little garden. 

Amy was very tired, rather cross, and passionately fond of flowers, sowhen an old woman offered to pull a nosegay for "the gracious lady, "Helen gladly waited for it, hoping to please the invalid. Twice thewhistle warned her, and at last she ran back, but only in time to seethe train move away, with her uncle gesticulating wildly to the guard, who shook his stupid German head, and refused to see the dismayedyoung lady imploring him to wait for her. 

Just as the train was vanishing from the station, a man leaped froma second-class carriage at the risk of his neck, and hurried back tofind Helen looking pale and bewildered, as well she might, left aloneand moneyless at night in a strange town. 

"Mademoiselle, it is I; rest easy; we can soon go on; a train passesin two hours, and we can telegraph to Heidelberg that they may notfear for you. "

"Oh, Hoffman, how kind of you to stop for me! What should I have donewithout you, for uncle takes care of all the money, and I have only mywatch. "

Helen's usual self-possession rather failed her in the flurry of themoment, and she caught Karl's arm with a feminine little gesture ofconfidence very pleasant to see. Leading her to the waiting-room, heordered supper, and put her into the care of the woman of the place, while he went to make inquiries and dispatch the telegram. In half anhour he returned, finding Helen refreshed and cheerful, though a traceof anxiety was still visible in her watchful eyes. 

"All goes excellently, mademoiselle. I have sent word to several postsalong the road that we are coming by the night train, so that Monsieurle Major will rest tranquil till we meet. It is best that I give yousome money, lest such a mishap should again occur; it is not likely sosoon; nevertheless, here is both gold and silver. With this, one canmake one's way everywhere. Now, if mademoiselle will permit me toadvise, she will rest for an hour, as we must travel till dawn. I willkeep guard without and watch for the train. "

He left her, and having made herself comfortable on one of the sofas, she lay watching the tall shadow pass and repass door and window, asKarl marched up and down the platform, with the tireless tramp of asentinel on duty. A pleasant sense of security stole over her, andwith a smile at Amy's enjoyment of the adventure when it was over, Helen fell asleep. 

A far-off shriek half woke her, and starting up, she turned to meetthe courier coming in to wake her. Up thundered the train, everycarriage apparently full of sleepy passengers, and the guard in astate of sullen wrath at some delay, the consequences of which wouldfall heaviest on him. 

From carriage to carriage hurried Karl and his charge, to be met witheverywhere by the cry, "All full, " in many languages, and with everyaspect of inhospitality. One carriage only showed two places; theother seats were occupied by six students, who gallantly invited thelady to enter. But Helen shrunk back, saying, --

"Is there no other place?"

"None, mademoiselle; this, or remain till morning, " said Karl. 

"Where will you go if I take this place?"

"Among the luggage, --anywhere; it is nothing. But we must decide atonce. "

"Come with me; I'm afraid to be locked in here alone, " said Helen, desperately. 

"Mademoiselle forgets I am her courier. "

"I do not forget that you are a gentleman. Pray come in; my uncle willthank you. "

"I will, " and with a sudden brightening of the eyes, a gratefulglance, and an air of redoubled respect, Hoffman followed her into thecarriage. 

They were off at once, and the thing was done before Helen had timeto feel anything but the relief which the protection of his presenceafforded her. 

The young gentlemen stared at the veiled lady and her grim escort, joked under their breath, and looked wistfully at the suppressedcigars, but behaved with exemplary politeness till sleep overpoweredthem, and one after the other dropped off asleep to dream of theirrespective Gretchens. 

Helen could not sleep, and for hours sat studying the unconsciousfaces before her, the dim landscape flying past the windows, or forgotherself in reveries. 

Hoffman remained motionless and silent, except when she addressedhim, wakeful also, and assiduous in making the long night as easy aspossible. 

It was past midnight, and Helen's heavy eyelids were beginning todroop, when suddenly there came an awful crash, a pang of mortal fear, then utter oblivion. 

As her senses returned she found herself lying in a painful positionunder what had been the roof of the car; something heavy weigheddown her lower limbs, and her dizzy brain rung with a wild uproar ofshrieks and groans, eager voices, the crash of wood and iron, and theshrill whistle of the engine, as it rushed away for help. 

Through the darkness she heard the pant as of some one strugglingdesperately, then a cry close by her, followed by a strong voiceexclaiming, in an agony of suspense, --

"My God, will no one come!"

"Hoffman, are you there?" cried Helen, groping in the gloom, with athrill of joy at the sound of a familiar voice. 

"Thank heaven, you are safe. Lie still. I will save you. Help iscoming. Have no fear!" panted the voice, with an undertone of ferventgratitude in its breathless accents. 

"What has happened? Where are the rest?"

"We have been thrown down an embankment. The lads are gone for help. God only knows what harm is done. "

Karl's voice died in a stifled groan, and Helen cried out in alarm, --

"Where are you? You are hurt?"

"Not much. I keep the ruins from falling in to crush us. Be quiet, they are coming. "

A shout answered the faint halloo he gave as if to guide them to thespot, and a moment after, five of the students were swarming about thewreck, intent on saving the three whose lives were still in danger. 

A lamp torn from some demolished carriage was held through an opening, and Helen saw a sight that made her blood chill in her veins. Acrossher feet, crushed and bleeding, lay the youngest of the students, andkneeling close beside him was Hoffman, supporting by main strength amass of timber, which otherwise would fall and crush them all. Hisface was ghastly pale, his eyes haggard with pain and suspense, andgreat drops stood upon his forehead. But as she looked, he smiled witha cheery. --

"Bear up, dear lady, we shall soon be out of danger. Now, lads, workwith a will; my strength is going fast. "

They did work like heroes, and even in her pain and peril, Helenadmired the skill, energy, and courage of the young men, who, an hourago, had seemed to have no ideas above pipes and beer. Soon Hoffmanwas free, the poor senseless youth lifted out, and then, as tenderlyas if she were a child, they raised and set her down, faint butunhurt, in a wide meadow, already strewn with sad tokens of the wreck. 

Karl was taken possession of as well as herself, forced to rest amoment, drink a cordial draught from some one's flask, and be praised, embraced, and enthusiastically blessed by the impetuous youths. 

"Where is the boy who was hurt? Bring him to me. I am strong now. I want to help. I have salts in my pocket, and I can bind up hiswounds, " said Helen, soon herself again. 

Karl and Helen soon brought back life and sense to the boy, and neverhad human face looked so lovely as did Helen's to the anxious comradeswhen she looked up in the moonlight with a joyful smile, and softlywhispered, --

"He is alive. "

For an hour terrible confusion reigned, then the panic subsided alittle, and such of the carriages as were whole were made ready tocarry away as many as possible; the rest must wait till a return traincould be sent for them. 

A struggle of course ensued, for every one wished to go on, and fearmade many selfish. The wounded, the women and children, were taken, asfar as possible, and the laden train moved away, leaving many anxiouswatchers behind. 

Helen had refused to go, and had given her place to poor Conrad, thereby overwhelming his brother and comrades with gratitude. Two wenton with the wounded lad; the rest remained, and chivalrously devotedthemselves to Helen as a body-guard. 

The moon shone clearly, the wide field was miles from any hamlet, and a desolate silence succeeded to the late uproar, as the band ofwaiters roamed about, longing for help and dawn. 

"Mademoiselle, you shiver; the dew falls, and it is damp here; we musthave a fire;" and Karl was away to a neighboring hedge, intent onwarming his delicate charge if he felled a forest to do it. 

The students rushed after him, and soon returned in triumph to builda glorious fire, which drew all forlorn wanderers to its hospitablecircle. A motley assemblage; but mutual danger and discomfort producedmutual sympathy and good will, and a general atmosphere of friendshippervaded the party. 

"Where is the brave Hoffman?" asked Wilhelm, the blond student, who, being in the Werther period of youth, was already madly in love withHelen, and sat at her feet catching cold in the most romantic manner. 

"Behold me! The little ones cry for hunger, so I ransack the ruins andbring away my spoils. Eat, Kinder, eat and be patient. "

As he spoke Karl appeared with an odd collection of baskets, bags, andbottles, and with a fatherly air that won all the mothers, he gavethe children whatever first appeared, making them laugh in spite ofweariness and hunger by the merry speeches which accompanied hisgifts. 

"You too need something. Here is your own basket with the lunch Iordered you. In a sad state of confusion, but still eatable. See, it is not bad, " and he deftly spread on a napkin before Helen coldchicken, sandwiches, and fruit. 

His care for the little ones as well as for herself touched her andher eyes filled, as she remembered that she owed her life to him, andrecalled the sight of his face in the overturned car. 

Her voice trembled a little as she thanked him, and the moonlightbetrayed her wet eyes. He fancied she was worn out with excitement andfatigue, and anxious to cheer her spirits, he whispered to Wilhelm andhis mates, --

"Sing, then, comrades, and while away this tedious night. It is hardfor all to wait so long, and the babies need a lullaby. "

The young men laughed and sang as only German students can sing, making the night musical with blithe drinking songs, tender love-lays, battle-hymns, and Volkslieder sweeter than any songs across the water. 

Every heart was cheered and warmed by the magic of the music, thebabies fell asleep, strangers grew friendly, fear changed to courage, and the most forlorn felt the romance of that bivouac under the summersky. 

Dawn was reddening the east when a welcome whistle broke up the camp. Every one hurried to the railway, but Helen paused to gather a handfulof blue forget-me-nots, saying to Hoffman, who waited with her wrapson his arm, --

"It has been a happy night, in spite of the danger and discomfort. Ishall not soon forget it; and take these as a souvenir. "

He smiled, standing bare-headed in the chilly wind, for his hat waslost, his coat torn, hair dishevelled, and one hand carelessly boundup in his handkerchief. Helen saw these marks of the night's laborsand perils for the first time, and as soon as they were seated desiredto see his hand. 

"It is nothing, --a scratch, a mere scratch, I give you my word, mademoiselle, " he began, but Wilhelm unceremoniously removed thehandkerchief, showing a torn and bleeding hand which must have beenexquisitely painful. 

Helen turned pale, and with a reproachful glance skilfully bound it upagain, saying, as she handed a silken scarf to Wilhelm, --

"Make of that a sling, please, and put the poor hand in it. Care mustbe taken, or harm will come of it. "

Hoffman submitted in bashful silence, as if surprised and touched bythe young lady's interest. She saw that, and added gratefully, --

"I do not forget that you saved my life, though you seem to have doneso. My uncle will thank you better than I can. "

"I already have my reward, mademoiselle, " he returned, with arespectful inclination and a look she could neither understand norforget. 

III

AMY'S ADVENTURE

The excitement and suspense of the major and Amy can be imagined whennews of the accident reached them. Their gratitude and relief wereintense when Helen appeared next morning, with the faithful Hoffmanstill at his post, though no longer able to disguise the fact that hewas suffering from his wound. 

When the story had been told, Karl was put under the surgeon's care, and all remained at Heidelberg for several days to rest and recover. 

On the afternoon of the last day the major and young ladies drove offto the castle for a farewell view. Helen began to sketch the greatstone lion's head above the grand terrace, the major smoked andchatted with a party of English artists whom he had met, and Amy, with a little lad for a guide, explored the old castle to her heart'scontent. 

The sun set, and twilight began to fall when Helen put up her pencils, and the major set off to find Amy, who had been appearing anddisappearing in every nook and cranny of the half-ruined castle. 

Nowhere could he find her, and no voice answered when he called. Theother visitors were gone, and the place seemed deserted, except bythemselves and the old man who showed the ruins. 

Becoming alarmed lest the girl had fallen somewhere, or lost her wayamong the vaults where the famous Tun lies, the major called out oldHans with his lantern, and searched high and low. 

Amy's hat, full of flowers and ferns, was found in the Lady's Walk, asthe little terrace is called, but no other trace appeared, and Helenhurried to and fro in great distress, fearing all manner of dangers. 

Meanwhile Amy, having explored every other part of the castle, went totake another look at the Tun, the dwarf, and the vaults. 

Now little Anderl, her guide, had a great fear of ghosts, and legionswere said to haunt the ruins after nightfall, so when Amy rambled ondeeper and deeper into the gloom the boy's courage ebbed away withevery step; yet he was ashamed to own his fear, seeing that she hadnone. 

Amy wanted to see a certain cell, where a nun was said to have pinedto death because she would not listen to the Margraf's love. Thelegend pleased the romantic girl, and forgetful of waning daylight, gathering damps, and Anderl's reluctant service, she ran on, up stepsand down, delighted with little arched doors, rusty chains on thewalls, glimpses of sky through shattered roofs, and all manner ofmysterious nooks and corners. Coming at last to a narrow cell, with astone table, and heavy bolts on the old door, she felt sure this waspoor Elfrida's prison, and called Anderl to come on with his candle, for the boy had lighted one, for his own comfort rather than hers. Hercall was unanswered, and glancing back, she saw the candle placed onthe ground, but no Anderl. 

"Little coward, he has run away, " she said, laughing; and havingsatisfied her curiosity, turned to retrace her steps, --no easy task toone ignorant of the way, for vault after vault opened on both sides, and no path was discernible. In vain she tried to recall somelandmark, the gloom had deepened and nothing was clear. On shehurried, but found no opening, and really frightened, stopped at last, calling the boy in a voice that woke a hundred echoes. But Anderl hadfled home, thinking the lady would find her way back, and preferringto lose his kreutzers to seeing a ghost. 

Poor Amy's bewilderment and alarm increased with every moment's delay, and hoping to come out somewhere, she ran on till a misstep jostledthe candle from her hand and extinguished it. 

Left in the dark, her courage deserted her, and she screameddesperately, like a lost child, and was fast getting into a state offrantic terror, when the sound of an approaching step reassured her. 

Holding her breath, she heard a quick tread drawing nearer, as ifguided by her cries, and, straining her eyes, she caught the outlineof a man's figure in the gloom. 

A sensation of intense joy rushed over her, and she was about tospring forward, when she remembered that as she could speak no Germanhow could she explain her plight to the stranger, if he understoodneither French nor English?

Fear took possession of her at the thought of meeting some roughpeasant, or some rollicking student, to whom she could make nointelligible appeal or explanation. 

Crouching close against the wall, she stood mute till the figure wasvery near. She was in the shadow of an angle, and the man paused, asif looking for the person who called for help. 

"Who is lost here?" said a clear voice, in German. 

Amy shrunk closer to the wall, fearing to speak, for the voice wasthat of a young man, and a low laugh followed the words, as if thespeaker found the situation amusing. 

"Mortal, ghost or devil, I'll find it, " exclaimed the voice, andstepping forward, a hand groped for and found her. 

"Lottchen, is it thou? Little rogue, thou shalt pay dearly for leadingme such a chase. "

As he spoke he drew the girl toward him, but with a faint cry, a vaineffort to escape, Amy's terror reached its climax, and spent withfatigue and excitement, she lost consciousness. 

"Who the deuce is it, then? Lottchen never faints on a frolic. Somepoor little girl lost in earnest. I must get her out of this gloomyplace at once, and find her party afterward. "

Lifting the slight figure in his arms, the young man hurried on, andsoon came out through a shattered gateway into the shrubbery whichsurrounds the base of the castle. 

Laying her on the grass, he gently chafed her hands, eying the pale, pretty face meantime with the utmost solicitude. 

At his first glimpse of it he had started, smiled and made a gestureof pleasure and surprise, then gave himself entirely to the task ofrecovering the poor girl whom he had frightened out of her senses. 

Very soon she looked up with dizzy eyes, and clasping her handsimploringly, cried, in English, like a bewildered child, --

"I am lost! Oh, take me to my uncle. "

"I will, the moment you can walk. Upon my soul, I meant to help youwhen I followed; but as you did not answer, I fancied it was Lottchen, the keeper's little girl. Pardon the fright I've caused you, and letme take you to your friends. "

The true English accent of the words, and the hearty tone of sincerityin the apology, reassured Amy at once, and, rising, she said, with afaint smile and a petulant tone, --

"I was very silly, but my guide ran away, my candle went out, I lostthe path, and can speak no German; so I was afraid to answer you atfirst; and then I lost my wits altogether, for it's rather startlingto be clutched in the dark, sir. "

"Indeed it is. I was very thoughtless, but now let me atone forit. Where is your uncle, Miss Erskine?" asked the stranger, withrespectful earnestness. 

"You know my name?" cried Amy in her impulsive way. 

"I have that happiness, " was the answer, with a smile. 

"But I don't know _you_, sir;" and she peered at him, trying to seehis face in the darkness, for the copse was thick, and twilight hadcome on rapidly. 

"Not yet; I live in hope. Shall we go? Your uncle will be uneasy. "

"Where are we?" asked Amy, glad to move on, for the interview wasbecoming too personal even for her, and the stranger's mannerfluttered her, though she enjoyed the romance of the adventureimmensely. 

"We are in the park which surrounds the castle. You were near theentrance to it from the vaults when you fainted. "

"I wish I had kept on a little longer, and not disgraced myself bysuch a panic. "

"Nay, that is a cruel wish, for then I should have lost the happinessof helping you. "

They had been walking side by side, but were forced to pause onreaching a broken flight of steps, for Amy could not see the waybefore her. 

"Let me lead you; it is steep and dark, but better than going a longway round through the dew, " he said, offering his hand. 

"Must we return by these dreadful vaults?" faltered Amy, shrinkingback. 

"It is the shortest and safest route, I assure you. "

"Are you sure you know the way?"

"Quite sure. I have lived here by the week together. Do you fear totrust me?"

"No; but it is so dark, and everything is so strange to me. Can we getdown safely? I see nothing but a black pit. "

And Amy still hesitated, with an odd mixture of fear and coquetry. 

"I brought you up in safety; shall I take you down again?" asked thestranger, with a smile flickering over his face. 

Amy felt rather than saw it, and assuming an air of dignifieddispleasure, motioned him to proceed, which he did for three steps;then Amy slipped, and gladly caught at the arm extended to save her. 

Without a word he took her hand and led her back through the labyrinthshe had threaded in her bewilderment. A dim light filled the place, but with unerring steps her guide went on till they emerged into thecourtyard. 

Major Erskine's voice was audible, giving directions to the keeper, and Helen's figure visible as she groped among the shadows of theruined chapel for her cousin. 

"There are my friends. Now I am safe. Come and let them thank you, "cried Amy, in her frank, childlike warmth of manner. 

"I want no thanks--forgive me--adieu, " and hastily kissing the littlehand that had lain so confidingly in his, the stranger was gone. 

Amy rushed at once to Helen, and when the lost lamb had been welcomed, chidden, and exulted over, they drove home, listening to the verybrief account which Amy gave of her adventure. 

"Naughty little gad-about, how could you go and terrify me so, wandering in vaults with mysterious strangers, like the Countess ofRudolstadt. You are as wet and dirty as if you had been digging awell, yet you look as if you liked it, " said Helen, as she led Amyinto their room at the hotel. 

"I do, " was the decided answer, as the girl pulled a handkerchief offher head, and began to examine the corners of it. Suddenly she uttereda cry and flew to the light, exclaiming, --

"Nell, Nell, look here! The same letters, 'S. P. , ' the same coat ofarms, the same perfume--it was the baron!"

"What? who? are you out of your mind?" said Helen, examining thelarge, fine cambric handkerchief, with its delicately stamped initialsunder the stag's head, and three stars on a heart-shaped shield. "Where did you get it?" she added, as she inhaled the soft odor ofviolets shaken from its folds. 

Amy blushed and answered shyly, "I didn't tell you all that happenedbefore uncle, but now I will. My hat was left behind, and when Irecovered my wits after my fright, I found this tied over my head. Oh, Nell, it was very charming there in that romantic old park, and goingthrough the vaults with him, and having my hand kissed at parting. Noone ever did that before, and I like it. "

Amy glanced at her hand as she spoke, and stood staring as if struckdumb, for there on her forefinger shone a ring she had never seenbefore. 

"Look! look! mine is gone, and this in its place! Oh, Nell, what shallI do?" she said, looking half frightened, half pleased. 

Helen examined the ring and shook her head, for it was far morevaluable than the little pearl one which it replaced. Two tinyhands of finest gold were linked together about a diamond of greatbrilliancy; and on the inside appeared again the initials, "S. P. "

"How did it happen?" she asked, rather sternly. 

"Upon my word, I don't know, unless he put it on while I was stupidlyfainting. Rude man, to take advantage of me so. But, Nell, it issplendid, and what _shall_ I do about it?"

"Tell uncle, find out the man and send back his things. It really isabsurd, the manner in which German boys behave;" and Helen frowned, though she was strongly tempted to laugh at the whole thing. 

"He was neither a German nor a boy, but an English gentleman, I'msure, " began Amy, rather offended. 

"But 'S. P. ' is a baron, you know, unless there are two Richmonds inthe field, " broke in Helen. 

"I forgot that; never mind, it deepens the mystery; and after thisperformance, I'm prepared for any enormity. It's my fate; I submit. "said Amy, tragically, as she waved her hand to and fro, pleased withthe flash of the ring. 

"Amy, I think on the whole I won't speak to uncle. He is quick to takeoffence, especially where we are concerned. He doesn't understandforeign ways, and may get into trouble. We will manage it quietlyourselves. "

"How, Nell?"

"Karl is discreet; we will merely say we found these things and wishto discover the owner. He may know this 'S. P. ' and, having learned hisaddress, we can send them back. The man will understand; and as weleave to-morrow, we shall be out of the way before he can play any newprank. "

"Have in Karl at once, for if I wear this lovely thing long I shallnot be able to let it go at all. How dared the creature take such aliberty!" and Amy pulled off the ring with an expression of greatscorn. 

"Come into the _salon_ and see what Karl says to the matter. Let mespeak, or you will say too much. One must be prudent before--"

She was going to say "servants, " but checked herself, and substituted"strangers, " remembering gratefully how much she owed this man. 

Hoffman came, looking pale, and with his hand in a sling, but was asgravely devoted as ever, and listened to Helen's brief story withserious attention. 

"I will inquire, mademoiselle, and let you know at once. It is easy tofind persons if one has a clue. May I see the handkerchief?"

Helen showed it. He glanced at the initials, and laid it down with aslight smile. 

"The coat-of-arms is English, mademoiselle. "

"Are you sure?"

"Quite so; I understand heraldry. "

"But the initials stand for Sigismund Palsdorf, and we know he is aGerman baron, " broke in Amy, forgetting prudence in eagerness. 

"If mademoiselle knows the name and title of this gentleman it willnot be hard to find him. "

"We only fancy it is the same because of the initials. I dare say itis a mistake, and the man is English. Inquire quietly, Hoffman, ifyou please, as this ring is of value, and I wish to restore it to itsowner, " said Helen, rather sharply. 

"I shall do so, mademoiselle, " and with his gentlemanly bow, thecourier left the room. 

"Bless me, what's that?" cried Amy, a moment afterward, as a ringinglaugh echoed through the corridor, --a laugh so full of hearty andinfectious merriment that both girls smiled involuntarily, and Amypeeped out to see who the blithe personage might be. 

An old gentleman was entering his room near by, and Karl was justabout to descend the stairs. Both looked back at the girlish facepeeping at them, but both were quite grave, and the peal of laughterremained a mystery, like all the rest of it. 

Late in the evening Hoffman returned to report that a party of youngEnglishmen had visited the castle that afternoon, and had left bythe evening train. One of them had been named Samuel Peters, and he, doubtless, was the owner of the ring. 

A humorous expression lurked in the couriers eye as he made hisreport, and heard Amy exclaim, in a tone of disgust and comicaldespair, --

"Samuel Peters! That spoils all the romance and dims the beauty of thediamond. To think that a Peters should be the hero to whom I owe mysafety, and a Samuel should leave me this token of regard!"

"Hush, Amy, " whispered Helen. "Thanks, Hoffman; we must wait now forchance to help us. "

IV

A POLISH EXILE

"Room for one here, sir, " said the guard, as the train stopped atCarlsruhe next day, on its way from Heidelberg to Baden. 

The major put down his guide-book, Amy opened her eyes, and Helenremoved her shawl from the opposite seat, as a young man, wrapped ina cloak, with a green shade over his eyes, and a general air offeebleness, got in and sank back with a sigh of weariness or pain. Evidently an invalid, for his face was thin and pale, his dark haircropped short, and the ungloved hand attenuated and delicate as awoman's. A sidelong glance from under the deep shade seemed to satisfyhim regarding his neighbors, and drawing his cloak about him with aslight shiver, he leaned into the corner and seemed to forget that hewas not alone. 

Helen and Amy exchanged glances of compassionate interest, for womenalways pity invalids, especially if young, comely and of the oppositesex. The major took one look, shrugged his shoulders, and returnedto his book. Presently a hollow cough gave Helen a pretext fordiscovering the nationality of the newcomer. 

"Do the open windows inconvenience you, sir?" she asked, in English. 

No answer; the question evidently unintelligible. 

She repeated it in French, lightly touching his cloak to arrest hisattention. 

Instantly a smile broke over the handsome mouth, and in the purestFrench he assured her that the fresh air was most agreeable, andbegged pardon for annoying them with his troublesome cough. 

"Not an invalid, I hope, sir?" said the major, in his bluff yet kindlyvoice. 

"They tell me I can have no other fate; that my malady is fatal; but Istill hope and fight for my life; it is all I have to give my countrynow. "

A stifled sigh and a sad emphasis on the last word roused the sympathyof the girls, the interest of the major. 

He took another survey, and said, with a tone of satisfaction, ashe marked the martial carriage of the young man, and caught a fieryglance of the half-hidden eyes, --

"You are a soldier, sir?"

"I was; I am nothing now but an exile, for Poland is in chains. "

The words "Poland" and "exile" brought up all the pathetic stories ofthat unhappy country which the three listeners had ever heard, and wontheir interest at once. 

"You were in the late revolution, perhaps?" asked the major, givingthe unhappy outbreak the most respectful name he could use. 

"From beginning to end. "

"Oh, tell us about it; we felt much sympathy for you, and longed tohave you win, " cried Amy, with such genuine interest and pity in hertone, it was impossible to resist. 

Pressing both hands upon his breast, the young man bent low, with aflush of feeling on his pale cheek, and answered eagerly, --

"Ah, you are kind; it is balm to my sore heart to hear words likethese. I thank you, and tell you what you will. It is but little thatI do, yet I give my life, and die a long death, instead of a quick, brave one with my comrades. "

"You are young to have borne a part in a revolution, sir, " said themajor, who pricked up his ears like an old war-horse at the sound ofbattle. 

"My friends and myself left the University at Varsovie, as volunteers;we did our part, and now all lie in their graves but three. "

"You were wounded, it seems?"

"Many times. Exposure, privation, and sorrow will finish what theRussian bullets began. But it is well. I have no wish to see mycountry enslaved, and I can no longer help her. "

"Let us hope that a happier future waits for you both. Poland lovesliberty too well, and has suffered too much for it, to be kept long incaptivity. "

Helen spoke warmly, and the young man listened with a brighteningface. 

"It is a kind prophecy; I accept it, and take courage. God knows Ineed it, " he added, low to himself. 

"Are you bound for Italy?" said the major, in a most un-English fit ofcuriosity. 

"For Geneva first, Italy later, unless Montreaux is mild enough for meto winter in. I go to satisfy my friends, but doubt if it avails. "

"Where is Montreaux?" asked Amy. 

"Near Clarens, where Rousseau wrote his Heloise, and Vevay, whereso many English go to enjoy Chillon. The climate is divine forunfortunates like myself, and life more cheap there than in Italy. "

Here the train stopped again, and Hoffman came to ask if the ladiesdesired anything. 

At the sound of his voice the young Pole started, looked up, andexclaimed, with the vivacity of a foreigner, in German, --

"By my life, it is Karl! Behold me, old friend, and satisfy me that itis thyself by a handshake. "

"Casimer! What wind blows thee hither, my boy, in such sad plight?"replied Hoffman, grasping the slender hand outstretched to him. 

"I fly from an enemy for the first time in my life, and, like allcowards, shall be conquered in the end. I wrote thee I was better, butthe wound in the breast reopened, and nothing but a miracle will saveme. I go to Switzerland; and thou?"

"Where my master commands. I serve this gentleman, now. "

"Hard changes for both, but with health thou art king ofcircumstances, while I?--Ah well, the good God knows best. Karl, gothou and buy me two of those pretty baskets of grapes; I will pleasemyself by giving them to these pitying angels. Speak they German?"

"One, the elder; but they understand not this rattle of ours. "

Karl disappeared, and Helen, who _had_ understood the rapid dialogue, tried to seem as unconscious as Amy. 

"Say a friendly word to me at times; I am so homesick andfaint-hearted, my Hoffman. Thanks; they are almost worthy the lipsthat shall taste them. "

Taking the two little osier baskets, laden with yellow and purpleclusters, Casimer offered them, with a charming mixture of timidityand grace, to the girls, saying, like a grateful boy, --

"You give me kind words and good hopes; permit that I thank you inthis poor way. "

"I drink success to Poland. " cried Helen, lifting a great, juicy grapeto her lips, like a little purple goblet, hoping to hide her confusionunder a playful air. 

The grapes went round, and healths were drunk with much merriment, for in travelling on the Continent it is impossible for the gruffest, primmest person to long resist the frank courtesy and vivacious chatof foreigners. 

The major was unusually social and inquisitive, and while the soldiersfought their battles over again the girls listened and took notes, with feminine wits on the alert to catch any personal revelationswhich might fall from the interesting stranger. The wrongs andsufferings of Poland were discussed so eloquently that both youngladies were moved to declare the most undying hatred of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, the most intense sympathy for "poor Pologne. "All day they travelled together, and as Baden-Baden approached, theynaturally fell to talking of the gay place. 

"Uncle, I must try my fortune once. I've set my heart upon it, andso has Nell. We want to know how gamblers feel, and to taste thefascination of the game which draws people here from all parts ofEurope, " said Amy, in her half-pleading, half-imperious way. 

"You may risk one napoleon each, as I foolishly promised you should, when I little thought you would ever have an opportunity to remind meof my promise. It's not an amusement for respectable Englishwomen, ormen either. You will agree with me there, monsieur?" and the majorglanced at the Pole, who replied, with his peculiar smile:--

"Surely, yes. It is great folly and waste of time and money; yet Ihave known one man who found some good in it, or, rather, brought goodout of it. I have a friend who has a mania for giving. His own fortunewas spent in helping needy students at the University, and poorprofessors. This displeased his father, and he refused supplies, except enough for his simple personal wants. Sigismund chafed at this, and being skilful at all games, as a gentleman may be in the way ofamusement, he resolved to play with those whose money was wasted onfrivolities, and give his winnings to his band of paupers. "

"How did it succeed, this odd fancy?" asked Helen, with an interestedface, while Amy pinched her arm at the word "Sigismund. "

"Excellently. My friend won often, and as his purpose became known itcaused no unkind feeling, this unusual success, for fortune seemed tofavor his kind object. "

"Wrong, nevertheless, to do evil that good may come of it, " said themajor, morally. 

"It may be so: but it is not for me to censure my benefactor. He hasdone much for my countrymen and myself, and is so truly noble I cansee no fault in him. "

"What an odd name! Sigismund is German, is it not?" asked Amy, in themost artless tone of interest. 

"Yes, mademoiselle, and Palsdorf is a true German; much courage, strength and intellect, with the gayety and simplicity of a boy. Hehates slavery of all kinds, and will be free at all costs. He is agood son, but his father is tyrannical, and asks too much. Sigismundwill not submit to sell himself, and so is in disgrace for a time. "

"Palsdorf!--was not that the name of the count or baron we heard themtalking of at Coblentz?" said Helen to Amy, with a well-feigned air ofuncertainty. 

"Yes; I heard something of a duel and a broken betrothal, I think. Thepeople seemed to consider the baron a wild young man, so it could nothave been your friend, sir, " was Amy's demure reply, glancing at Helenwith mirthful eyes, as if to say, "How our baron haunts us!"

"It is the same, doubtless. Many consider him wild, because he isoriginal, and dares act for himself. As it is well known, I may tellyou the truth of the duel and the betrothal, if you care to hear alittle romance. "

Casimer looked eager to defend his friend, and as the girls werelonging to hear the romance, permission was given. 

"In Germany, you know, the young people are often betrothed inchildhood by the parents, and sometimes never meet till they aregrown. Usually all goes well; but not always, for love cannot come atcommand. Sigismund was plighted, when a boy of fifteen, to hisyoung cousin, and then sent away to the University till of age. Onreturning, he was to travel a year or two, and then marry. He gladlywent away, and with increasing disquiet saw the time draw near when hemust keep his troth-plight. "

"Hum! loved some one else. Very unfortunate to be sure, " said themajor with a sigh. 

"Not so; he only loved his liberty, and pretty Minna was less dearthan a life of perfect freedom. He went back at the appointedtime, saw his cousin, tried to do his duty and love her; found itimpossible, and, discovering that Minna loved another, vowed he wouldnever make her unhappiness as well as his own. The old baron stormed, but the young one was firm, and would not listen to a marriage withoutlove; but pleaded for Minna, wished his rival success, and set outagain on his travels. "

"And the duel?" asked the major, who took less interest in love thanwar. 

"That was as characteristic as the other act. A son of one high inoffice at Berlin circulated false reports of the cause of Palsdorf'srefusal of the alliance--reports injurious to Minna. Sigismund settledthe matter in the most effectual manner, by challenging and woundingthe man. But for court influence it would have gone hardly with myfriend. The storm, however, has blown over; Minna will be happy withher lover, and Sigismund with his liberty, till he tires of it. "

"Is he handsome, this hero of yours?" said Amy, feeling the ring underher glove, for in spite of Helen's advice, she insisted on wearing it, that it might be at hand to return at any moment, should chance againbring the baron in their way. 

"A true German of the old type; blond and blue-eyed, tall and strong. My hero in good truth--brave and loyal, tender and true, " was theenthusiastic answer. 

"I hate fair men, " pouted Amy, under her breath, as the major askedsome question about hotels. 

"Take a new hero, then; nothing can be more romantic than that, "whispered Helen, glancing at the pale, dark-haired figure wrapped inthe military cloak opposite. 

"I will, and leave the baron to you;" said Amy, with a stifled laugh. 

"Hush! Here are Baden and Karl, " replied Helen, thankful for theinterruption. 

All was bustle in a moment, and taking leave of them with an airof reluctance, the Pole walked away, leaving Amy looking after himwistfully, quite unconscious that she stood in everybody's way, andthat her uncle was beckoning impatiently from the carriage door. 

"Poor boy! I wish he had some one to take care of him. " she sighed, half aloud. 

"Mademoiselle, the major waits;" and Karl came up, hat in hand, justin time to hear her and glance after Casimer, with an odd expression. 

V

LUDMILLA

"I wonder what that young man's name was. Did he mention it, Helen?"said the major, pausing in his march up and down the room, as if thequestion was suggested by the sight of the little baskets, which thegirls had kept. 

"No, uncle; but you can easily ask Hoffman, " replied Helen. 

"By the way, Karl, who was the Polish gentleman who came on withus?" asked the major a moment afterward, as the courier came in withnewspapers. 

"Casimer Teblinski, sir. "

"A baron?" asked Amy, who was decidedly a young lady of one idea justthen. 

"No, mademoiselle, but of a noble family, as the 'ski' denotes, forthat is to Polish and Russian names what 'von' is to German and 'de'to French. "

"I was rather interested in him. Where did you pick him up, Hoffman?"said the major. 

"In Paris, where he was with fellow-exiles. "

"He is what he seems, is he?--no impostor, or anything of that sort?One is often deceived, you know. "

"On my honor, sir, he is a gentleman, and as brave as he isaccomplished and excellent. "

"Will he die?" asked Amy, pathetically. 

"With care he would recover, I think; but there is no one to nursehim, so the poor lad must take his chance and trust in heaven forhelp. "

"How sad! I wish we were going his way, so that we might do somethingfor him--at least give him the society of his friend. "

Helen glanced at Hoffman, feeling that if he were not already engagedby them, he would devote himself to the invalid without any thought ofpayment. 

"Perhaps we are. You want to see the Lake of Geneva, Chillon, and thatneighborhood. Why not go now, instead of later?"

"Will you, uncle? That's capital! We need say nothing, but go on andhelp the poor boy, if we can. "

Helen spoke like a matron of forty, and looked as full of maternalkindness as if the Pole were not out of his teens. 

The courier bowed, the major laughed behind his paper, and Amy gave asentimental sigh to the memory of the baron, in whom her interest wasfailing. 

They only caught a glimpse of the Pole that evening at the Kursaal, but next morning they met, and he was invited to join their party fora little expedition. 

The major was in fine spirits, and Helen assumed her maternal airtoward both invalids, for the sound of that hollow cough alwaysbrought a shadow over her face, recalling the brother she had lost. 

Amy was particularly merry and charming, and kept the whole partylaughing at her comical efforts to learn Polish and teach English asthey drove up the mountainside to the old Schloss. 

"I'm not equal to mounting all those steps for a view I've seen adozen times; but pray take care of the child, Nell, or she'll get lostagain, as at Heidelberg, " said the major, when they had roamed aboutthe lower part of the place; for a cool seat in the courtyard and aglass of beer were more tempting than turrets and prospects to thestout gentleman. 

"She shall not be lost; I am her body-guard. It is steep--permit thatI lead you, mademoiselle;" Casimer offered his hand to Amy, and theybegan their winding way. As she took the hand, the girl blushed andhalf smiled, remembering the vaults and the baron. 

"I like this better, " she said to herself, as they climbed step bystep, often pausing to rest in the embrasures of the loopholes, where the sun glanced in, the balmy wind blew, and vines peeped fromwithout, making a pretty picture of the girl, as she sat with rosycolor on her usually pale cheeks, brown curls fluttering about herforehead, laughing lips, and bright eyes full of pleasant changes. Leaning opposite in the narrow stairway, Casimer had time to study thelittle tableau in many lights, and in spite of the dark glasses, to convey warm glances of admiration, of which, however, the youngcoquette seemed utterly unconscious. 

Helen came leisurely after, and Hoffman followed with a telescope, wishing, as he went, that his countrywomen possessed such dainty feetas those going on before him, for which masculine iniquity he will bepardoned by all who have seen the foot of a German Fraulein. 

It was worth the long ascent, that wide-spread landscape basking inthe August glow. 

Sitting on a fallen block of stone, while Casimer held a sun-umbrellaover her, Amy had raptures at her ease; while Helen sketched and askedquestions of Hoffman, who stood beside her, watching her progress withinterest. Once when, after repeated efforts to catch a curious effectof light and shade, she uttered an impatient little exclamation, Karlmade a gesture as if to take the pencil and show her, but seemed torecollect himself and drew back with a hasty "Pardon, mademoiselle. "Helen glanced up and saw the expression of his face, which plainlybetrayed that for a moment the gentleman had forgotten he was acourier. She was glad of it, for it was a daily trial to her to orderthis man about; and following the womanly impulse, she smiled andoffered the pencil, saying simply, --

"I felt sure you understood it; please show me. "

He did so, and a few masterly strokes gave the sketch what it needed. As he bent near her to do this Helen stole a glance at the grave, darkface, and suddenly a disturbed look dawned in the eyes fixed on theglossy black locks pushed off the courier's forehead, for he hadremoved his hat when she spoke to him. He seemed to feel thatsomething was amiss, shot a quick glance at her, returned the penciland rose erect, with an almost defiant air, yet something of shame inhis eye, as his lips moved as if to speak impetuously. But not a worddid he utter, for Helen touched her forehead significantly, and saidin a low tone, --

"I am an artist; let me recommend Vandyke brown, which is _not_affected by heat. "

Hoffman looked over his shoulder at the other pair, but Amy wasmaking an ivy wreath for her hat, and the Pole pulling sprays for theabsorbing work. Speaking rapidly, Karl said, with a peculiar blendingof merriment, humility, and anxiety in his tone, --

"Mademoiselle, you are quick to discover my disguise; will you also bekind in concealing? I have enemies as well as friends, whom I desireto escape: I would earn my bread unknown; Monsieur le Major keeps myfoolish secret; may I hope for equal goodness from yourself?"

"You may, I do not forget that I owe my life to you, nor that you area gentleman. Trust me, I never will betray you. "

"Thanks, thanks! there will come a time when I may confess the truthand be myself, but not yet, " and his regretful tone was emphasized byan impatient gesture, as if concealment was irksome. 

"Nell, come down to lunch; uncle is signalling as if he'd gone mad. No, monsieur, it is quite impossible; you cannot reach the harebellswithout risking too much; come away and forget that I wanted them. "

Amy led the way, and all went down more quietly than they came up, especially Helen and Hoffman. An excellent lunch waited on one of thetables in front of the old gateway, and having done justice to it, themajor made himself comfortable with a cigar, bidding the girls keepnear, for they must be off in half an hour. Hoffman went to see to thehorses, Casimer strolled away with him, and the young ladies went togather wild flowers at the foot of the tower. 

"Not a harebell here; isn't it provoking, when they grow in tufts upthere, where one can't reach them. Mercy, what's that? Run, Nell, theold wall is coming down!"

Both had been grubbing in a damp nook, where ferns and mosses grewluxuriantly; the fall of a bit of stone and a rending sound above madethem fly back to the path and look up. 

Amy covered her eyes, and Helen grew pale, for part way down thecrumbling tower, clinging like a bird to the thick ivy stems, hungCasimer, coolly gathering harebells from the clefts of the wall. 

"Hush; don't cry out or speak; it may startle him. Crazy boy! Let ussee what he will do, " whispered Helen. 

"He can't go back, the vines are so torn and weak; and how will he getdown the lower wall? for you see the ivy grows up from that ledge, andthere is nothing below. How could he do it? I was only joking when Ilamented that there were no knights now, ready to leap into a lion'sden for a lady's glove, " returned Amy, half angry. 

In breathless silence they watched the climber till his cap was fullof flowers, and taking it between his teeth, he rapidly swung down tothe wide ledge, from which there appeared to be no way of escape but areckless leap of many feet on to the turf below. 

The girls stood in the shadow of an old gateway, unperceived, andwaited anxiously what should follow. 

Lightly folding and fastening the cap together, he dropped it down, and, leaning forward, tried to catch the top of a young birch rustlingclose by the wall. Twice he missed it; the first time he frowned, butthe second he uttered an emphatic, "Deuce take it!"

Helen and Amy looked at each other with a mutual smile andexclamation, --

"He knows some English, then!"

There was time for no more--a violent rustle, a boyish laugh, and downswung the slender tree, with the young man clinging to the top. 

As he landed safely, Helen cried, "Bravo!" and Amy rushed out, exclaiming reproachfully, yet admiringly, --

"How could you do it and frighten us so? I shall never express a wishbefore you again, for if I wanted the moon you'd rashly try to get it, I know. "

"_Certainement_, mademoiselle, " was the smiling reply. Casimerpresented the flowers, as if the exploit was a mere trifle. 

"Now I shall go and press them at once in uncle's guide-book. Come andhelp me, else you will be in mischief again. " And Amy led the way tothe major with her flowers and their giver. 

Helen roamed into one of the ruined courts for a last look at afountain which pleased her eye. A sort of cloister ran round thecourt, open on both sides, and standing in one of these arched nooks, she saw Hoffman and a young girl talking animatedly. The girl waspretty, well dressed, and seemed refusing something for whichthe other pleaded eagerly. His arm was about her, and she leanedaffectionately upon him, with a white hand now and then caressing hisface, which was full of sparkle and vivacity now. They seemed about topart as Helen looked, for the maiden standing on tiptoe, laughinglyoffered her blooming cheek, and as Karl kissed it warmly, he said inGerman, so audibly Helen heard every word, --

"Farewell, my Ludmilla. Keep silent and I shall soon be with you. Embrace the little one, and do not let him forget me. "

Both left the place as they spoke, each going a different way, andHelen slowly returned to her party, saying to herself in a troubledtone, --

"'Ludmilla' and 'the little one' are his wife and child, doubtless. Iwonder if uncle knows that. "

When Hoffman next appeared she could not resist looking at him; butthe accustomed gravity was resumed, and nothing remained of the glowand brightness he had worn when with Ludmilla in the cloister. 

VI

CHATEAU DE LA TOUR

Helen looked serious and Amy indignant when their uncle joined them, ready to set out by the afternoon train, all having dined and restedafter the morning's excursion. 

"Well, little girls, what's the matter now?" he asked, paternally, forthe excellent man adored his nieces. 

"Helen says it's not best to go on with the Pole, and is perfectlynonsensical, uncle, " began Amy, petulantly, and not very coherently. 

"Better be silly now than sorry by and by. I only suggested that, being interesting, and Amy romantic, she might find this young man toocharming, if we see too much of him, " said Helen. 

"Bless my soul, what an idea!" cried the major. "Why, Nell, he's aninvalid, a Catholic, and a foreigner, any one of which objections areenough to settle that matter. Little Amy isn't so foolish as to be indanger of losing her heart to a person so entirely out of the questionas this poor lad, is she?"

"Of course not. _You_ do me justice, uncle. Nell thinks she may pityand pet any one she likes because she is five years older than I, and entirely forgets that she is a great deal more attractive than afeeble thing like me. I should as soon think of losing my heart toHoffman as to the Pole, even if he wasn't what he is. One may surelybe kind to a dying man, without being accused of coquetry;" and Amysobbed in the most heart-rending manner. 

Helen comforted her by withdrawing all objections, and promisingto leave the matter in the major's hands. But she shook her headprivately when she saw the ill-disguised eagerness with which hercousin glanced up and down the platform after they were in the train, and she whispered to her uncle, unobserved, --

"Leave future meetings to chance, and don't ask the Pole in, if youcan help it. "

"Nonsense, my dear. You are as particular as your aunt. The lad amusesme, and you can't deny you like to nurse sick heroes, " was all theanswer she got, as the major, with true masculine perversity, put hishead out of the window and hailed Casimer as he was passing with abow. 

"Here, Teblinski, my good fellow, don't desert us. We've always aspare seat for you, if you haven't pleasanter quarters. "

With a flush of pleasure the young man came up, but hesitated toaccept the invitation till Helen seconded it with a smile of welcome. 

Amy was in an injured mood, and, shrouded in a great blue veil, pensively reclined in her corner as if indifferent to everything abouther. But soon the cloud passed, and she emerged in a radiant state ofgood humor, which lasted unbroken until the journey ended. 

For two days they went on together, a very happy party, for the majorcalled in Hoffman to see his friend and describe the places throughwhich they passed. An arrangement very agreeable to all, as Karl was afavorite, and every one missed him when away. 

At Lausanne they waited while he crossed the lake to secure rooms atVevay. On his return he reported that all the hotels and _pensions_were full, but that at La Tour he had secured rooms for a few weeks ina quaint old chateau on the banks of the lake. 

"Count Severin is absent in Egypt, and the housekeeper has permissionto let the apartments to transient visitors. The suite of rooms Ispeak of were engaged to a party who are detained by sickness--theyare cheap, pleasant, and comfortable. A _salon_ and four bed-rooms. Iengaged them all, thinking that Teblinski might like a room there tillhe finds lodgings at Montreaux. We can enter at once, and I am surethe ladies will approve of the picturesque place. "

"Well done, Hoffman; off we go without delay, for I really long torest my old bones in something like a home, after this long trip, "said the major, who always kept his little troop in light marchingorder. 

The sail across that loveliest of lakes prepared the new-comers to becharmed with all they saw; and when, entering by the old stone gate, they were led into a large saloon, quaintly furnished and opening intoa terrace-garden overhanging the water, with Chillon and the Alps insight, Amy declared nothing could be more perfect, and Helen's faceproved her satisfaction. 

An English widow and two quiet old German professors on a vacationwere the only inmates besides themselves and the buxom Swisshousekeeper and her maids. 

It was late when our party arrived, and there was only time for ahasty survey of their rooms and a stroll in the garden before dinner. 

The great chamber, with its shadowy bed, dark mirrors, ghostlywainscot-doors and narrow windows, had not been brightened for a longtime by such a charming little apparition as Amy when she shook outher airy muslins, smoothed her curls, and assumed all manner ofdistracting devices for the captivation of mankind. Even Helen, thoughnot much given to personal vanity, found herself putting flowers inher hair, and studying the effect of bracelets on her handsome arms, as if there was some especial need of looking her best on thisoccasion. 

Both were certainly great ornaments to the drawing-room that evening, as the old professors agreed while they sat blinking at them, like apair of benign owls. Casimer surprised them by his skill in music, for, though forbidden to sing on account of his weak lungs, heplayed as if inspired. Amy hovered about him like a moth; the majorcultivated the acquaintance of the plump widow; and Helen stood at thewindow, enjoying the lovely night and music, till something happenedwhich destroyed her pleasure in both. 

The window was open, and, leaning from it, she was watching the lake, when the sound of a heavy sigh caught her ear. There was no moon, butthrough the starlight she saw a man's figure among the shrubs below, sitting with bent head and hidden face in the forlorn attitude of oneshut out from the music, light, and gayety that reigned within. 

"It is Karl, " she thought, and was about to speak, when, as ifstartled by some sound she did not hear, he rose and vanished in thegloom of the garden. 

"Poor man! he thought of his wife and child, perhaps, sitting herealone while all the rest make merry, with no care for him. Uncle mustsee to this;" and Helen fell into a reverie till Amy came to proposeretiring. 

"I meant to have seen where all these doors led, but was so busydressing I had no time, so must leave it for my amusement to-morrow. Uncle says it's a very Radcliffian place. How like an angel that mandid play!" chattered Amy, and lulled herself to sleep by humming thelast air Casimer had given them. 

Helen could not sleep, for the lonely figure in the garden hauntedher, and she wearied herself with conjectures about Hoffman and hismystery. Hour after hour rung from the cuckoo-clock in the hall, butstill she lay awake, watching the curious shadows in the room, andexciting herself with recalling the tales of German goblins with whichthe courier had amused them the day before. 

"It is close and musty here, with all this old tapestry and stuffabout; I'll open the other window, " she thought; and, noiselesslyslipping from Amy's side, she threw on wrapper and slippers, lightedher candle and tried to unbolt the tall, diamond-paned lattice. It wasrusty and would not yield, and, giving it up, she glanced about to seewhence air could be admitted. There were four doors in the room, alllow and arched, with clumsy locks and heavy handles. One opened intoa closet, one into the passage; the third was locked, but the fourthopened easily, and, lifting her light, she peeped into a small octagonroom, full of all manner of curiosities. What they were she had notime to see, for her startled eyes were riveted on an object thatturned her faint and cold with terror. 

A heavy table stood in the middle of the room, and seated at it, with some kind of weapon before him, was a man who looked over hisshoulder, with a ghastly face half hidden by hair and beard, andfierce black eyes as full of malignant menace as was the clinched handholding the pistol. One instant Helen looked, the next flung to thedoor, bolted it and dropped into a chair, trembling in every limb. Thenoise did not wake Amy, and a moment's thought showed Helen the wisdomof keeping her in ignorance of this affair. She knew the major wasclose by, and possessing much courage, she resolved to wait a littlebefore rousing the house. 

Hardly had she collected herself, when steps were heard moving softlyin the octagon room. Her light had gone out as she closed the door, and sitting close by in the dark, she heard the sound of some onebreathing as he listened at the key-hole. Then a careful hand triedthe door, so noiselessly that no sleeper would have been awakened; andas if to guard against a second surprise, the unknown person drew twobolts across the door and stole away. 

"Safe for a time; but I'll not pass another night under this roof, unless this is satisfactorily cleared up, " thought Helen, now feelingmore angry than frightened. 

The last hour that struck was three, and soon the summer dawn reddenedthe sky. Dressing herself, Helen sat by Amy, a sleepless guard, tillshe woke, smiling and rosy as a child. Saying nothing of her lastnight's alarm, Helen went down to breakfast a little paler than usual, but otherwise unchanged. The major never liked to be disturbed tillhe had broken his fast, and the moment they rose from the table heexclaimed, --

"Now, girls, come and see the mysteries of Udolpho. "

"I'll say nothing, yet, " thought Helen, feeling braver by daylight, yet troubled by her secret, for Hoffman might be a traitor, and thischarming chateau a den of thieves. Such things had been, and she wasin a mood to believe anything. 

The upper story was a perfect museum of antique relics, veryentertaining to examine. Having finished these, Hoffman, who acted asguide, led them into a little gloomy room containing a straw pallet, a stone table with a loaf and pitcher on it, and, kneeling before acrucifix, where the light from a single slit in the wall fell on him, was the figure of a monk. The waxen mask was life-like, the attitudeeffective, and the cell excellently arranged. Amy cried out when shefirst saw it, but a second glance reassured her, and she patted thebald head approvingly, as Karl explained. --

"Count Severin is an antiquarian, and amuses himself with things ofthis sort. In old times there really was a hermit here, and this ishis effigy. Come down these narrow stairs, if you please, and see therest of the mummery. "

Down they went, and the instant Helen looked about her, she burst intoa hysterical laugh, for there sat her ruffian, exactly as she saw him, glaring over his shoulder with threatening eyes, and one hand on thepistol. They all looked at her, for she was pale, and her merrimentunnatural; so, feeling she had excited curiosity, she gratified it bynarrating her night's adventure. Hoffman looked much concerned. 

"Pardon, mademoiselle, the door should have been bolted on thisside. It usually is, but that room being unused, it was forgotten. Iremembered it, and having risen early, crept up to make sure that youdid not come upon this ugly thing unexpectedly. But I was too late, itseems; you have suffered, to my sorrow. "

"Dear Nell, and that was why I found you so pale and cold and quiet, sitting by me when I woke, guarding me faithfully as you promised youwould. How brave and kind you were!"

"Villain! I should much like to fire your own pistols at you for thisprank of yours. "

And Casimer laughingly filliped the image on its absurdly aquilinenose. 

"What in the name of common sense is this goblin here for?" demandedthe major, testily. 

"There is a legend that once the owner of the chateau amused himselfby decoying travellers here, putting them to sleep in that room, andby various devices alluring them thither. Here, one step beyond thethreshold of the door, was a trap, down which the unfortunates wereprecipitated to the dungeon at the bottom of the tower, there to dieand be cast into the lake through a water-gate, still to be seen. Severin keeps this flattering likeness of the rascal, as he doesthe monk above, to amuse visitors by daylight, not at night, mademoiselle. "

And Hoffman looked wrathfully at the image, as if he would much enjoysending it down the trap. 

"How ridiculous! I shall not go about this place alone, for fear oflighting upon some horror of this sort. I've had enough; come awayinto the garden; it's full of roses, and we may have as many as welike. "

As she spoke Amy involuntarily put out her hand for Casimer to leadher down the steep stone steps, and he pressed the little hand with atender look which caused it to be hastily withdrawn. 

"Here are your roses. Pretty flower; I know its meaning in English, for it is the same with us. To give a bud to a lady is to confessthe beginning of love, a half open one tells of its growth, and afull-blown one is to declare one's passion. Do you have that custom inyour land, mademoiselle?"

He had gathered the three as he spoke, and held the bud separatelywhile looking at his companion wistfully. 

"No, we are not poetical, like your people, but it is a pretty fancy, "and Amy settled her bouquet with an absorbed expression, thoughinwardly wondering what he would do with his flowers. 

He stood silent a moment, with a sudden flush sweeping across hisface, then flung all three into the lake with a gesture that made thegirl start, and muttered between his teeth:

"No, no; for me it is too late. "

She affected not to hear, but making up a second bouquet, she gaveit to him, with no touch of coquetry in compassionate eyes or gentlevoice. 

"Make your room bright with these. When one is ill nothing is socheering as the sight of flowers. "

Meantime the others had descended and gone their separate ways. 

As Karl crossed the courtyard a little child ran to meet him withoutstretched arms and a shout of satisfaction. He caught it up andcarried it away on his shoulder, like one used to caress and becaressed by children. 

Helen, waiting at the door of the tower while the major dusted hiscoat, saw this, and said, suddenly, directing his attention to man andchild, --

"He seems fond of little people. I wonder if he has any of his own. "

"Hoffman? No, my dear; he's not married; I asked him that when Iengaged him. "

"And he said he was not?"

"Yes; he's not more than five or six-and-twenty, and fond of awandering life, so what should he want of a wife and a flock ofbantlings?"

"He seems sad and sober sometimes, and I fancied he might have somedomestic trouble to harass him. Don't you think there is somethingpeculiar about him?" asked Helen, remembering Hoffman's hint that heruncle knew his wish to travel incognito, and wondering if he wouldthrow any light upon the matter. But the major's face was impenetrableand his answer unsatisfactory. 

"Well, I don't know. Every one has some worry or other, and as forbeing peculiar, all foreigners seem more or less so to us, they are sounreserved and demonstrative. I like Hoffman more and more every day, and shall be sorry when I part with him. "

"Ludmilla is his sister, then, or he didn't tell uncle the truth. Itis no concern of mine; but I wish I knew, " thought Helen anxiously, and then wondered why she should care. 

A feeling of distrust had taken possession of her and she determinedto be on the watch, for the unsuspicious major would be easily duped, and Helen trusted more to her own quick and keen eye than to hisexperience. She tried to show nothing of the change in her manner: butHoffman perceived it, and bore it with a proud patience which oftentouched her heart, but never altered her purpose. 

VII

AT FAULT

Four weeks went by so rapidly that every one refused to believe itwhen the major stated the fact at the breakfast-table, for all hadenjoyed themselves so heartily that they had been unconscious of thelapse of time. 

"You are not going away, uncle?" cried Amy, with a panic-strickenlook. 

"Next week, my dear; we must be off, for we've much to do yet, and Ipromised mamma to bring you back by the end of October. "

"Never mind Paris and the rest of it; this is pleasanter. I'd ratherstay here--"

There Amy checked herself and tried to hide her face behind hercoffee-cup, for Casimer looked up in a way that made her heart flutterand her cheeks burn. 

"Sorry for it, Amy; but go we must, so enjoy your last week with allyour might, and come again next year. "

"It will never be again what it is now, " sighed Amy; and Casimerechoed the words "next year, " as if sadly wondering if the presentyear would not be his last. 

Helen rose silently and went into the garden, for of late she hadfallen into the way of reading and working in the little pavilionwhich stood in an angle of the wall, overlooking lake and mountains. 

A seat at the opposite end of the walk was Amy's haunt, for she likedthe sun, and within a week or two something like constraint hadexisted between the cousins. Each seemed happier apart, and each wasintent on her own affairs. Helen watched over Amy's health, but nolonger offered advice or asked confidence. She often looked anxious, and once or twice urged the major to go, as if conscious of somedanger. 

But the worthy man seemed to have been bewitched as well as the youngfolks, and was quite happy sitting by the plump, placid widow, orleisurely walking with her to the chapel on the hillside. 

All seemed waiting for something to break up the party, and no one hadthe courage to do it. The major's decision took every one by surprise, and Amy and Casimer looked as if they had fallen from the clouds. 

The persistency with which the English lessons had gone on wasamazing, for Amy usually tired of everything in a day or two. Now, however, she was a devoted teacher, and her pupil did her great creditby the rapidity with which he caught the language. It looked likepleasant play, sitting among the roses day after day, Amy affecting toembroider while she taught, Casimer marching to and fro on the wide, low wall, below which lay the lake, while he learned his lesson; thenstanding before her to recite, or lounging on the turf in frequentfits of idleness, both talking and laughing a great deal, andgenerally forgetting everything but the pleasure of being together. They wrote little notes as exercises--Amy in French, Casimer inEnglish, and each corrected the other's. 

All very well for a time; but as the notes increased the correctionsdecreased, and at last nothing was said of ungrammatical French orcomical English and the little notes were exchanged in silence. 

As Amy took her place that day she looked forlorn, and when her pupilcame her only welcome was a reproachful--

"You are very late, sir. "

"It is fifteen of minutes yet to ten clocks, " was Casimer's reply, inhis best English. 

"Ten o'clock, and leave out 'of' before minutes. How many times must Itell you that?" said Amy, severely, to cover her first mistake. 

"Ah, not many times; soon all goes to finish, and I have none personto make this charming English go in my so stupide head. "

"What will you do then?"

"I _jeter_ myself into the lake. "

"Don't be foolish; I'm dull to-day, and want to be cheered up; suicideisn't a pleasant subject. "

"Good! See here, then--a little _plaisanterie_--what you call joke. Can you will to see it?" and he laid a little pink cocked-hat note onher lap, looking like a mischievous boy as he did so. 

"'Mon Casimer Teblinski;' I see no joke;" and Amy was about to tear itup, when he caught it from destruction, and holding it out of reach, said, laughing wickedly, --

"The 'mon' is one abbreviation of 'monsieur, ' but you put nolittle--how do you say?--period at the end of him; it goes now inEnglish--_My_ Casimer Teblinski, ' and that is of the most charmingaddress. "

Amy colored, but had her return shot ready. 

"Don't exult; that was only an oversight, not a deliberate deceptionlike that you put upon me. It was very wrong and rude, and I shall notforgive it. "

"_Mon Dieu_! where have I gone in sinning! I am a _polisson_, as I sayeach day, but not a villain, I swear to you. Say to me that which Ihave made of wrong, and I will do penance. "

"You told me '_Ma drogha_' was the Polish for 'My pupil, ' and let mecall you so a long time; I am wiser now, " replied Amy, with greatdignity. 

"Who has said stupidities to you, that you doubt me?" and Casimerassumed an injured look, though his eyes danced with merriment. 

"I heard Hoffman singing a Polish song to little Roserl, the burden ofwhich was, '_Ma drogha, Ma drogha_, ' and when I asked him to translateit, those two words meant, 'My darling. ' How dare you, ungratefulcreature that you are!"

As Amy spoke, half-confusedly, half-angrily, Casimer went down uponhis knees, with folded hands and penitent face, exclaiming, in goodEnglish, --

"Be merciful to me a sinner. I was tempted, and I could not resist. "

"Get up this instant, and stop laughing. Say your lesson, for thiswill be your last, " was the stern reply, though Amy's face dimpled allover with suppressed merriment. 

He rose meekly, but made such sad work with the verb "To love, " thathis teacher was glad to put an end to it, by proposing to read herFrench to him. It was "Thaddeus of Warsaw, " a musty little translationwhich she had found in the house, and begun for her own amusement. Casimer read a little, seemed interested, and suggested that they readit together, so that he might correct her accent. Amy agreed, andthey were in the heart of the sentimental romance, finding it moreinteresting than most modern readers, for the girl had an improvedThaddeus before her, and the Pole a fairer, kinder Mary Beaufort. 

Dangerous times for both, but therein lay the charm; for, though Amysaid to herself each night, "Sick, Catholic, and a foreigner, --it cannever be, " yet each morning she felt, with increasing force, how blankher day would be without him. And Casimer, honorably restraining everyword of love, yet looked volumes, and in spite of the glasses, thegirl felt the eloquence of the fine eyes they could not entirelyconceal. 

To-day, as she read, he listened with his head leaning on his hand, and though she never had read worse, he made no correction, but sat somotionless, she fancied at last that he had actually fallen asleep. Thinking to rouse him, she said, in French, --

"Poor Thaddeus! don't you pity him?--alone, poor, sick, and afraid toown his love. "

"No, I hate him, the absurd imbecile, with his fine boots and plumes, and tragedy airs. He was not to be pitied, for he recovered health, hefound a fortune, he won his Marie. His sufferings were nothing; therewas no fatal blight on him, and he had time and power to conquer hismisfortunes, while I--"

Casimer spoke with sudden passion, and pausing abruptly, turned hisface away, as if to hide some emotion he was too proud to show. 

Amy's heart ached, and her eyes filled, but her voice was sweet andsteady, as she said, putting by the book, like one weary of it, --

"Are you suffering to-day? Can we do anything for you? Please let us, if we may. "

"You give me all I can receive; no one can help my pain yet; but atime will come when something may be done for me; then I will speak. "And, to her great surprise, he rose and left her, without anotherword. 

She saw him no more till evening; then he looked excited, playedstormily, and would sing in defiance of danger. The trouble in Amy'sface seemed reflected in Helen's, though not a word had passed betweenthem. She kept her eye on Casimer, with an intentness that worriedAmy, and even when he was at the instrument Helen stood near him, asif fascinated, watching the slender hands chase one another up anddown the keys with untiring strength and skill. 

Suddenly she left the room and did not return. Amy was so nervous bythat time, she could restrain herself no longer, and slipping out, found her cousin in their chamber, poring over a glove. 

"Oh, Nell, what is it? You are so odd to-night I can't understand you. The music excites me, and I'm miserable, and I want to know what hashappened, " she said, tearfully. 

"I've found him!" whispered Helen, eagerly, holding up the glove witha gesture of triumph. 

"Who?" asked Amy, blinded by her tears. 

"The baron. "

"Where?--when?" cried the girl, amazed. 

"Here, and now. "

"Don't take my breath away; tell me quick, or I shall get hysterical. "

"Casimer is Sigismund Palsdorf, and no more a Pole than I am, " wasHelen's answer. 

Amy dropped in a heap on the floor, not fainting, but so amazed shehad neither strength nor breath left. Sitting by her, Helen rapidlywent on, --

"I had a feeling as if something was wrong, and began to watch. Thefeeling grew, but I discovered nothing till to-day. It will make youlaugh, it was so unromantic. As I looked over uncle's things when thelaundress brought them this afternoon, I found a collar that was nothis. It was marked 'S. P. , ' and I at once felt a great desire to knowwho owned it. The woman was waiting for her money, and I asked her. 'Monsieur Pologne, ' she said, for his name is too much for her. Shetook it into his room, and that was the end of it. "

"But it may be another name; the initials only a coincidence, "faltered Amy, looking frightened. 

"No, dear, it isn't; there is more to come. Little Roserl came cryingthrough the hall an hour ago, and I asked what the trouble was. Sheshowed me a prettily-bound prayer-book which she had taken from thePole's room to play with, and had been ordered by her mother to carryback. I looked into it; no name, but the same coat-of-arms as theglove and the handkerchief. To-night as he played I examined hishands; they are peculiar, and some of the peculiarities have lefttraces on the glove. I am sure it is he, for on looking back manythings confirm the idea. He says he is a _polisson_, a rogue, fondof jokes, and clever at playing them. The Germans are famous formasquerading and practical jokes; this is one, I am sure, and unclewill be terribly angry if he discovers it. "

"But why all this concealment?" cried Amy. "Why play jokes on us? Youlook so worried I know you have not told me all you know or fear. "

"I confess I do fear that these men are political plotters as well asexiles. There are many such, and they make tools of rich and ignorantforeigners to further their ends. Uncle is rich, generous, andunsuspicious; and I fear that while apparently serving and enjoying usthey are using him. "

"Heavens, it may be! and that would account for the change we see inhim. I thought he was in love with the widow, but that may be only acloak to hide darker designs. Karl brought us here, and I dare say itis a den of conspirators!" cried Amy, feeling as if she were gettingmore of an adventure than she had bargained for. 

"Don't be alarmed! I am on the watch, and mean to demand anexplanation from uncle, or take you away on my own responsibility, ifI can. "

Here a maid tapped to say that tea was served. 

"We must go down, or some one will suspect trouble. Plead headache toexcuse your paleness, and I'll keep people away. We will manage theaffair and be off as soon as possible, " said Helen, as Amy followedher, too bewildered to answer. 

Casimer was not in the room, the major and Mrs. Cumberland weresipping tea side by side, and the professors roaming vaguely about. Toleave Amy in peace, Helen engaged them both in a lively chat, and hercousin sat by the window trying to collect her thoughts. Some one waspacing up and down the garden, hatless, in the dew. 

Amy forgot everything but the danger of such exposure to her recklessfriend. His cloak and hat lay on a chair; she caught them up andglided unperceived from the long window. 

"You are so imprudent I fear for you, and bring your things, " said atimid voice, as the little white figure approached the tall black one, striding down the path tempestuously. 

"You to think of me, forgetful of yourself! Little angel of kindness, why do you take such care of me?" cried Casimer, eagerly taking notonly the cloak, but the hands that held it. 

"I pitied you because you were ill and lonely. You do not deservemy pity, but I forgive that, and would not see you suffer, " was thereproachful answer, as Amy turned away. 

But he held her fast, saying earnestly, --

"What have I done? You are angry. Tell me my fault and I will amend. "

"You have deceived me. "

"How?"

"Will you own the truth?" and in her eagerness to set her fears atrest, Amy forgot Helen. 

"I will. "

She could not see his face, but his voice was steady and his mannerearnest. 

"Tell me, then, is not your true name Sigismund Palsdorf?"

He started, but answered instantly, --

"It is not. "

"You are not the baron?" cried Amy. 

"No; I will swear it if you wish. "

"Who, then, are you?"

"Shall I confess?"

"Yes, I entreat you. "

"Remember, you command me to speak. "

"I do. Who are you?"

"Your lover. "

The words were breathed into her ear as softly as ardently, but theystartled her so much she could find no reply, and, throwing himselfdown before her, Casimer poured out his passion with an impetuositythat held her breathless. 

"Yes, I love you, and I tell it, vain and dishonorable as it is in onelike me. I try to hide it. I say 'it cannot be. ' I plan to go away. But you keep me; you are angel-good to me; you take my heart, you carefor me, teach me, pity me, and I can only love and die. I know it isfolly; I ask nothing; I pray to God to bless you always, and I say, Go, go, before it is too late for you, as now for me!"

"Yes, I must go--it is all wrong. Forgive me. I have been veryselfish. Oh, forget me and be happy, " faltered Amy, feeling that heronly safety was in flight. 

"Go! go!" he cried, in a heart-broken tone, yet still kissed and clungto her hands till she tore them away and fled into the house. 

Helen missed her soon after she went, but could not follow for severalminutes; then went to their chamber and there found Amy drowned intears, and terribly agitated. 

Soon the story was told with sobs and moans, and despairinglamentations fit to touch a heart of stone. 

"I do love him--oh, I do; but I didn't know it till he was so unhappy, and now I've done this dreadful harm. He'll die, and I can't help him, see him, or be anything to him. Oh, I've been a wicked, wicked girl, and never can be happy any more. "

Angry, perplexed, and conscience-stricken, for what now seemed blindand unwise submission to the major, Helen devoted herself to calmingAmy, and when at last the poor, broken-hearted little soul fell asleepin her arms, she pondered half the night upon the still unsolvedenigma of the Baron Sigismund. 

VIII

MORE MYSTERY

"Uncle, can I speak to you a moment?" said Helen, very gravely, asthey left the breakfast-room next morning. 

"Not now, my dear, I'm busy, " was the hasty reply, as the majorshawled Mrs. Cumberland for an early promenade. 

Helen knit her brows irefully, for this answer had been given her halfa dozen times lately when she asked for an interview. It was evidenthe wished to avoid all lectures, remonstrances, and explanations; andit was also evident that he was in love with the widow. 

"Lovers are worse than lunatics to manage, so it is vain to try to getany help from him, " sighed Helen, adding, as her uncle was gallantlyleading his stout divinity away into the garden: "Amy has a badheadache, and I shall stay to take care of her, so we can't joinyour party to Chillon, sir. We have been there once, so you needn'tpostpone it for us. "

"Very well, my dear, " and the major walked away, looking muchrelieved. 

As Helen was about to leave the _salon_ Casimer appeared. A singleglance at her face assured him that she knew all, and instantlyassuming a confiding, persuasive air that was irresistible, he said, meekly, --

"Mademoiselle, I do not deserve a word from you, but it desolates meto know that I have grieved the little angel who is too dear to me. For her sake, pardon that I spoke my heart in spite of prudence, andpermit me to send her this. "

Helen glanced from the flowers he held to his beseeching face, and herown softened. He looked so penitent and anxious, she had not the heartto reproach him. 

"I will forgive you and carry your gift to Amy on one condition, " shesaid, gravely. 

"Ah, you are kind! Name, then, the condition. I implore you, and Iwill agree. "

"Tell me, then, on your honor as a gentleman, are you not BaronPalsdorf?"

"On my honor as a gentleman, I swear to you I am not. "

"Are you, in truth, what you profess to be?"

"I am, in truth, Amy's lover, your devoted servant, and a most unhappyman, with but a little while to live. Believe this and pity me, dearest Mademoiselle Helène. "

She did pity him, her eyes betrayed that, and her voice was very kind, as she said, --

"Pardon my doubts. I trust you now, and wish with all my heart thatit was possible to make you happy. You know it is not, therefore I amsure you will be wise and generous, and spare Amy further grief byavoiding her for the little time we stay. Promise me this, Casimer. "

"I may see her if I am dumb? Do not deny me this. I will not speak, but I must look at my little and dear angel when she is near. "

He pleaded so ardently with lips and hands, and eager eyes, that Helencould not deny him, and when he had poured out his thanks she lefthim, feeling very tender toward the unhappy young lover, whose passionwas so hopeless, yet so warm. 

Amy was at breakfast in her room, sobbing and sipping, moaning andmunching, for, though her grief was great, her appetite was good, andshe was in no mood to see anything comical in cracking eggshellswhile she bewailed her broken heart, or in eating honey in the act oflamenting the bitterness of her fate. 

Casimer would have become desperate had he seen her in the little bluewrapper, with her bright hair loose on her shoulders, and herpretty face wet with tears, as she dropped her spoon to seize hisflowers, --three dewy roses, one a bud, one half and the other fullyblown, making a fragrant record and avowal of the love which she mustrenounce. 

"Oh, my dear boy! how can I give him up, when he is so fond, and I amall he has? Helen, uncle must let me write or go to mamma. She shalldecide; I can't; and no one else has a right to part us, " sobbed Amy, over her roses. 

"Casimer will not marry, dear; he is too generous to ask such asacrifice, " began Helen, but Amy cried indignantly, --

"It is no sacrifice; I'm rich. What do I care for his poverty?"

"His religion!" hinted Helen, anxiously. 

"It need not part us; we can believe what we will. He is good; whymind whether he is Catholic or Protestant?"

"But a Pole, Amy, so different in tastes, habits, character, andbeliefs. It is a great risk to marry a foreigner; races are sounlike. "

"I don't care if he is a Tartar, a Calmuck, or any of the other wildtribes; I love him, he loves me, and no one need object if I don't. "

"But, dear, the great and sad objection still remains--his health. Hejust said he had but a little while to live. "

Amy's angry eyes grew dim, but she answered, with soft earnestness, --

"So much the more need of me to make that little while happy. Thinkhow much he has suffered and done for others; surely I may dosomething for him. Oh, Nell, can I let him die alone and in exile, when I have both heart and home to give him?"

Helen could say no more; she kissed and comforted the faithful littlesoul, feeling all the while such sympathy and tenderness that shewondered at herself, for with this interest in the love of anothercame a sad sense of loneliness, as if she was denied the sweetexperience that every woman longs to know. 

Amy never could remain long under a cloud, and seeing Helen's tears, began to cheer both her cousin and herself. 

"Hoffman said he might live with care, don't you remember? and Hoffmanknows the case better than we. Let us ask him if Casimer is worse. Youdo it; I can't without betraying myself. "

"I will, " and Helen felt grateful for any pretext to address afriendly word to Karl, who had looked sad of late, and had been lesswith them since the major became absorbed in Mrs. Cumberland. 

Leaving Amy to compose herself, Helen went away to find Hoffman. Itwas never difficult, for he seemed to divine her wishes and appearuncalled the moment he was wanted. Hardly had she reached her favoritenook in the garden when he approached with letters, and asked withrespectful anxiety, as she glanced at and threw them by with animpatient sigh, --

"Has mademoiselle any orders? Will the ladies drive, sail, or make alittle expedition? It is fine, and mademoiselle looks as if the airwould refresh her. Pardon that I make the suggestion. "

"No, Hoffman, I don't like the air of this place, and intend to leaveas soon as possible. " And Helen knit her delicate dark brows withan expression of great determination. "Switzerland is the refuge ofpolitical exiles, and I hate plots and disguises; I feel oppressed bysome mystery, and mean to solve or break away from it at once. "

She stopped abruptly, longing to ask his help, yet withheld by asudden sense of shyness in approaching the subject, though she haddecided to speak to Karl of the Pole. 

"Can I serve you, mademoiselle? If so, pray command me, " he said, eagerly, coming a step nearer. 

"You can, and I intend to ask your advice, for there can be nothingamiss in doing so, since you are a friend of Casimer's. "

"I am both friend and confidant, mademoiselle, " he answered, asif anxious to let her understand that he knew all, without theembarrassment of words. She looked up quickly, relieved, yet troubled. 

"He has told you, then?"

"Everything, mademoiselle. Pardon me if this afflicts you; I am hisonly friend here, and the poor lad sorely needed comfort. "

"He did. I am not annoyed; I am glad, for I know you will sustain him. Now I may speak freely, and be equally frank. Please tell me if he isindeed fatally ill?"

"It was thought so some months ago; now I hope. Happiness cures manyills, and since he has loved, he has improved. I always thought carewould save him; he is worth it. "

Hoffman paused, as if fearful of venturing too far; but Helen seemedto confide freely in him, and said, softly, --

"Ah, if it were only wise to let him be happy. It is so bitter to denylove. "

"God knows it is!"

The exclamation broke from Hoffman as if an irrepressible impulsewrung it from him. 

Helen started, and for a moment neither spoke. She collected herselfsoonest, and without turning, said, quietly, --

"I have been troubled by a strong impression that Casimer is not whathe seems. Till he denied it on his honor I believed him to be BaronPalsdorf. Did he speak the truth when he said he was not?"

"Yes, mademoiselle. "

"Then, Casimer Teblinski is his real name?"

No answer. 

She turned sharply, and added, --

"For my cousin's sake, I must know the truth. Several curiouscoincidences make me strongly suspect that he is passing under anassumed name. "

Not a word said Hoffman, but looked on the ground, as motionless andexpressionless as a statue. 

Helen lost patience, and in order to show how much she had discovered, rapidly told the story of the gloves, ring, handkerchief, prayer-bookand collar, omitting all hint of the girlish romance they had wovenabout these things. 

As she ended, Hoffman looked up with a curious expression, in whichconfusion, amusement, admiration and annoyance seemed to contend. 

"Mademoiselle, " he said, gravely, "I am about to prove to you thatI feel honored by the confidence you place in me. I cannot break myword, but I will confess to you that Casimer does _not_ bear his ownname. "

"I knew it!" said Helen, with a flash of triumph in her eyes. "He _is_the baron, and no Pole. You Germans love masquerades and jokes. Thisis one, but I must spoil it before it is played out. "

"Pardon; mademoiselle is keen, but in this she is mistaken. Casimer is_not_ the baron; he did fight for Poland, and his name is known andhonored there. Of this I solemnly assure you. "

She stood up and looked him straight in the face. He met her eye toeye, and never wavered till her own fell. 

She mused a few minutes, entirely forgetful of herself in hereagerness to solve the mystery. 

Hoffman stood so near that her dress touched him, and the wind blewher scarf against his hand; and as she thought he watched her whilehis eyes kindled, his color rose, and once he opened his lips tospeak, but she moved at the instant, and exclaimed, --

"I have it!"

"Now for it, " he muttered, as if preparing for some new surprise orattack. 

"When uncle used to talk about the Polish revolution, there was, Iremember a gallant young Pole who did something brave. The namejust flashed on me, and it clears up my doubts. StanislasPrakora--'S. P. '--and Casimer is the man. "

Helen spoke with an eager, bright face, as if sure of the truth now;but, to her surprise, Hoffman laughed, a short, irrepressible laugh, full of hearty but brief merriment. He sobered in a breath, and withan entire change of countenance said, in an embarrassed tone, --

"Pardon my rudeness; mademoiselle's acuteness threw me off my guard. I can say nothing till released from my promise; but mademoiselle mayrest assured that Casimer Teblinski is as good and brave a man asStanislas Prakora. "

Helen's eyes sparkled, for in this reluctant reply she readconfirmation of her suspicion, and thought that Amy would rejoice tolearn that her lover was a hero. 

"You _are_ exiles, but still hope and plot, and never relinquish yourhearts' desire?"

"Never, mademoiselle!"

"You are in danger?"

"In daily peril of losing all we most love and long for, " answeredKarl, with such passion that Helen found patriotism a lovely andinspiring thing. 

"You have enemies?" she asked, unable to control her interest, andfeeling the charm of these confidences. 

"Alas! yes, " was the mournful reply, as Karl dropped his eyes to hidethe curious expression of mirth which he could not banish from them. 

"Can you not conquer them, or escape the danger they place you in?"

"We hope to conquer, we cannot escape. "

"This accounts for your disguise and Casimer's false name?"

"Yes. We beg that mademoiselle will pardon us the anxiety andperplexity we have caused her, and hope that a time will soon arrivewhen we may be ourselves. I fear the romantic interest with whichthe ladies have honored us will be much lessened, but we shall stillremain their most humble and devoted servants. "

Something in his tone nettled Helen, and she said sharply, --

"All this may be amusing to you, but it spoils my confidence in othersto know they wear masks. Is your name also false?"

"I am Karl Hoffman, as surely as the sun shines, mademoiselle. Do notwound me by a doubt, " he said, eagerly. 

"And nothing more?"

She smiled as she spoke, and glanced at his darkened skin with a shakeof the head. 

"I dare not answer that. "

"No matter; I hate titles, and value people for their own worth, notfor their rank. "

Helen spoke impulsively, and, as if carried away by her words andmanner, Hoffman caught her hand and pressed his lips to it ardently, dropped it, and was gone, as if fearing to trust himself a momentlonger. 

Helen stood where he left her, thinking, with a shy glance from herhand to the spot where he had stood, --

"It _is_ pleasant to have one's hand kissed, as Amy said. Poor Karl, his fate is almost as hard as Casimer's. "

Some subtile power seemed to make the four young people shun oneanother carefully, though all longed to be together. The majorappeared to share the secret disquiet that made the rest roamlistlessly about, till little Roserl came to invite them to a _fête_in honor of the vintage. All were glad to go, hoping in the noveltyand excitement to recover their composure. 

The vineyard sloped up from the chateau, and on the hillside was asmall plateau of level sward, shadowed by a venerable oak now hungwith garlands, while underneath danced the chateau servants with theirfamilies, to the music of a pipe played by little Friedel. As thegentlefolk approached, the revel stopped, but the major, who was in anantic mood and disposed to be gracious, bade Friedel play on, and asMrs. Cumberland refused his hand with a glance at her weeds, the majorturned to the Count's buxom housekeeper, and besought her to waltzwith him. She assented, and away they went as nimbly as the best. Amylaughed, but stopped to blush, as Casimer came up with an imploringglance, and whispered, --

"Is it possible that I may enjoy one divine waltz with you before Igo?"

Amy gave him her hand with a glad assent, and Helen was left alone. Every one was dancing but herself and Hoffman, who stood near by, apparently unconscious of the fact. He glanced covertly at her, andsaw that she was beating time with foot and hand, that her eyes shone, her lips smiled. He seemed to take courage at this, for, walkingstraight up to her, he said, as coolly as if a crown-prince, --

"Mademoiselle, may I have the honor?"

A flash of surprise passed over her face, but there was no anger, pride, or hesitation in her manner, as she leaned toward him with aquiet "Thanks, monsieur. "

A look of triumph was in his eyes as he swept her away to dance, asshe had never danced before, for a German waltz is full of life andspirit, wonderfully captivating to English girls, and German gentlemenmake it a memorable experience when they please. As they circled roundthe rustic ball-room, Hoffman never took his eyes off Helen's, and, as if fascinated, she looked up at him, half conscious that he wasreading her heart as she read his. He said not a word, but hisface grew very tender, very beautiful in her sight, as she forgoteverything except that he had saved her life and she loved him. Whenthey paused, she was breathless and pale; he also; and seating her hewent away to bring her a glass of wine. As her dizzy eyes grew clear, she saw a little case at her feet, and taking it up, opened it. A wornpaper, containing some faded forget-me-nots and these words, fellout, --

"Gathered where Helen sat on the night of August 10th. "

There was just time to restore its contents to the case, when Hoffmanreturned, saw it, and looked intensely annoyed as he asked, quickly, --

"Did you read the name on it?"

"I saw only the flowers;" and Helen colored beautifully as she spoke. 

"And read _them_?" he asked, with a look she could not meet. 

She was spared an answer, for just then a lad came up, saying, as heoffered a note, --

"Monsieur Hoffman, madame, at the hotel, sends you this, and begs youto come at once. "

As he impatiently opened it, the wind blew the paper into Helen's lap. She restored it, and in the act, her quick eye caught the signature, "Thine ever, Ludmilla. "

A slight shadow passed over her face, leaving it very cold and quiet. Hoffman saw the change, and smiled, as if well pleased, but assumingsuddenly his usual manner, said deferentially, --

"Will mademoiselle permit me to visit my friend for an hour?--she isexpecting me. "

"Go, then, we do not need you, " was the brief reply, in a carelesstone, as if his absence was a thing of no interest to any one. 

"Thanks; I shall not be long away;" and giving her a glance that madeher turn scarlet with anger at its undisguised admiration, he walkedaway, humming gayly to himself Goethe's lines, --

 "Maiden's heart and city's wall Were made to yield, were made to fall; When we've held them each their day, Soldier-like we march away. "

IX

"S. P. " AND THE BARON

Dinner was over, and the _salon_ deserted by all but the two youngladies, who sat apart, apparently absorbed in novels, while eachwas privately longing for somebody to come, and with the charminginconsistency of the fair sex, planning to fly if certain somebodies_did_ appear. 

Steps approached; both buried themselves in their books; both heldtheir breath and felt their hearts flutter as they never had donebefore at the step of mortal man. The door opened; neither looked up, yet each was conscious of mingled disappointment and relief when themajor said, in a grave tone, "Girls, I've something to tell you. "

"We know what it is, sir, " returned Helen, coolly. 

"I beg your pardon, but you don't, my dear, as I will prove in fiveminutes, if you will give me your attention. "

The major looked as if braced up to some momentous undertaking; andplanting himself before the two young ladies, dashed bravely into thesubject. 

"Girls, I've played a bold game, but I've won it, and will take theconsequences. "

"They will fall heaviest on you, uncle, " said Helen, thinking he wasabout to declare his love for the widow. 

The major laughed, shrugged his shoulders, and answered, stoutly, --

"I'll bear them; but you are quite wrong, my dear, in your surmises, as you will soon see. Helen is my ward, and accountable to me alone. Amy's mother gave her into my charge, and won't reproach me foranything that has passed when I explain matters. As to the lads theymust take care of themselves. "

Suddenly both girls colored, fluttered, and became intenselyinterested. The major's eyes twinkled as he assumed a perfectlyimpassive expression, and rapidly delivered himself of the followingthunderbolt, --

"Girls, you have been deceived, and the young men you love areimpostors. "

"I thought so, " muttered Helen, grimly. 

"Oh, uncle, don't, don't say that!" cried Amy, despairingly. 

"It's true, my dears; and the worst of it is, I knew the truth all thetime. Now, don't have hysterics, but listen and enjoy the joke as Ido. At Coblentz, when you sat in the balcony, two young men overheardAmy sigh for adventures, and Helen advise making a romance out of thegloves one of the lads had dropped. They had seen you by day; bothadmired you, and being idle, gay young fellows, they resolvedto devote their vacation to gratifying your wishes and enjoyingthemselves. We met at the Fortress; I knew one of them, and liked theother immensely; so when they confided their scheme to me I agreedto help them carry it out, as I had perfect confidence in both, andthought a little adventure or two would do you good. "

"Uncle, you were mad, " said Helen; and Amy added, tragically, --

"You don't know what trouble has come of it. "

"Perhaps I was; that remains to be proved. I do know everything, andfail to see any trouble, so don't cry, little girl, " briskly repliedthe inexplicable major. "Well, we had a merry time planning our prank. One of the lads insisted on playing courier, though I objected. He'ddone it before, liked the part, and would have his way. The othercouldn't decide, being younger and more in love; so we left him tocome into the comedy when he was ready. Karl did capitally, as youwill allow; and I am much attached to him, for in all respects he hasbeen true to his word. He began at Coblentz; the other, after doingthe mysterious at Heidelberg, appeared as an exile, and made quickwork with the prejudices of my well-beloved nieces--hey, Amy?"

"Go on; who are they?" cried both girls, breathlessly. 

"Wait a bit; I'm not bound to expose the poor fellows to your scornand anger. No; if you are going to be high and haughty, to forgettheir love, refuse to forgive their frolic, and rend their hearts withreproaches, better let them remain unknown. "

"No, no; we will forget and forgive, only speak!" was the command ofboth. 

"You promise to be lenient and mild, to let them confess theirmotives, and to award a gentle penance for their sins?"

"Yes, we promise!"

"Then, come in, my lads, and plead for your lives. "

As he spoke the major threw open the door, and two gentlemen enteredthe room--one, slight and dark, with brilliant black eyes; the othertall and large, with blond hair and beard. Angry, bewildered, andshame-stricken as they were, feminine curiosity overpowered all otherfeelings for the moment, and the girls sat looking at the culpritswith eager eyes, full of instant recognition; for though the disguisewas off, and neither had seen them in their true characters but once, they felt no doubt, and involuntarily exclaimed, --

"Karl!"

"Casimer. "

"No, young ladies; the courier and exile are defunct, and from theirashes rise Baron Sigismund Palsdorf, my friend, and Sidney Power, mynephew. I give you one hour to settle the matter; then I shall returnto bestow my blessing or to banish these scapegraces forever. "

And, having fired his last shot, the major prudently retreated, without waiting to see its effect. 

It was tremendous, for it carried confusion into the fair enemy'scamp; and gave the besiegers a momentary advantage of which they werenot slow to avail themselves. 

For a moment the four remained mute and motionless: then Amy, like alltimid things, took refuge in flight, and Sidney followed her into thegarden, glad to see the allies separated. Helen, with the courage ofher nature, tried to face and repulse the foe; but love was strongerthan pride, maiden shame overcame anger, and, finding it vain to meetand bear down the steady, tender glance of the blue eyes fixed uponher, she dropped her head into her hands and sat before him, like oneconquered but too proud to cry "Quarter. " Her lover watched her tillshe hid her face, then drew near, knelt down before her, and said, with an undertone of deep feeling below the mirthful malice of hiswords, --

"Mademoiselle, pardon me that I am a foolish baron, and dare to offeryou the title that you hate. I have served you faithfully for a month, and, presumptuous as it is, I ask to be allowed to serve you all mylife. Helen, say you forgive the deceit for love's sake. "

"No; you are false and forsworn. How can I believe that anything istrue?"

And Helen drew away the hand of which he had taken possession. 

"Heart's dearest, you trusted me in spite of my disguise; trustme still, and I will prove that I am neither false nor forsworn. Catechise me, and see if I was not true in spite of all my seemingdeception. "

"You said your name was Karl Hoffman, " began Helen, glad to gain alittle time to calm herself before the momentous question came. 

"It is; I have many, and my family choose to call me Sigismund, " wasthe laughing answer. 

"I'll never call you so; you shall be Karl, the courier, all your lifeto me, " cried Helen, still unable to meet the ardent eyes before her. 

"Good; I like that well; for it assures me that all my life I shall besomething to you, my heart. What next?"

"When I asked if you were the baron, you denied it. "

"Pardon! I simply said my name was Hoffman. You did not ask me pointblank if I was the baron; had you done so, I think I should haveconfessed all, for it was very hard to restrain myself this morning. "

"No, not yet; I have more questions;" and Helen warned him away, as itbecame evident that he no longer considered restraint necessary. 

"Who is Ludmilla?" she said, sharply. 

"My faith, that is superb!" exclaimed the baron, with a triumphantsmile at her betrayal of jealousy. "How if she is a former love?" heasked, with a sly look at her changing face. 

"It would cause me no surprise; I am prepared for anything. "

"How if she is my dearest sister, for whom I sent, that she mightwelcome you and bring the greetings of my parents to their newdaughter?"

"Is it, indeed, so?"

And Helen's eyes dimmed as the thought of parents, home and lovefilled her heart with tenderest gratitude, for she had long been anorphan. 

"_Leibchen_, it is true; to-morrow you shall see how dear you alreadyare to them, for I write often and they wait eagerly to receive you. "

Helen felt herself going very fast, and made an effort to harden herheart, lest too easy victory should reward this audacious lover. 

"I may not go; I also have friends, and in England we are not won inthis wild way. I will yet prove you false; it will console me forbeing so duped if I can call you traitor. You said Casimer had foughtin Poland. "

"Crudest of women, he did, but under his own name, Sidney Power. "

"Then, he was not the brave Stanislas?--and there is no charmingCasimer?"

"Yes, there are both, --his and my friends, in Paris; true Poles, andwhen we go there you shall see them. "

"But his illness was a ruse?"

"No; he was wounded in the war and has been ill since. Not of a fatalmalady, I own; his cough misled you, and _he_ has no scruples infabling to any extent. I am not to bear the burden of his sins. "

"Then, the romances he told us about your charity, your virtues, and--your love of liberty were false?" said Helen, with a keen glance, for these tales had done much to interest her in the unknown baron. 

Sudden color rose to his forehead, and for the first time his eyesfell before hers, --not in shame, but with a modest man's annoyance athearing himself praised. 

"Sidney is enthusiastic in his friendship, and speaks too well for me. The facts are true, but he doubtless glorified the simplest by hisway of telling it. Will you forgive my follies, and believe me when Ipromise to play and duel no more?"

"Yes. "

She yielded her hand now, and her eyes were full of happiness, yet sheadded, wistfully, --

"And the betrothed, your cousin, Minna, --is she, in truth, not dear toyou?"

"Very dear, but less so than another; for I could not learn of her inyears what I learned in a day when I met you. Helen, this was begun injest, --it ends in solemn earnest, for I love my liberty, and I havelost it, utterly and forever. Yet I am glad; look in my face and tellme you believe it. "

He spoke now as seriously as fervently, and with no shadow on her own, Helen brushed back the blond hair and looked into her lover's face. Truth, tenderness, power, and candor were written there in charactersthat could not lie; and with her heart upon her lips, she answered, ashe drew her close, --

"I do believe, do love you, Sigismund!" Meanwhile another scene waspassing in the garden. Sidney, presuming upon his cousinship, tookpossession of Amy, bidding her "strike but hear him. " Of course shelistened with the usual accompaniment of tears and smiles, reproachesand exclamations, varied by cruel exultations and coquettish commandsto go away and never dare approach her again. 

"_Ma drogha_, listen and be appeased. Years ago you and I playedtogether as babies, and our fond mammas vowed we should one day mate. When I was a youth of fourteen and you a mite of seven I went away toIndia with my father, and at our parting promised to come back andmarry you. Being in a fret because you couldn't go also, you haughtilydeclined the honor, and when I offered a farewell kiss, struck me withthis very little hand. Do you remember it?"

"Not I. Too young for such nonsense. "

"I do, and I also remember that in my boyish way I resolved to keep myword sooner or later, and I've done it. "

"We shall see, sir, " cried Amy, strongly tempted to repeat her part ofthe childish scene as well as her cousin, but her hand was not free, and he got the kiss without the blow. 

"For eleven years we never met. You forgot me, and 'Cousin Sidney'remained an empty name. I was in India till four years ago; since thenI've been flying about Germany and fighting in Poland, where I nearlygot my quietus. "

"My dear boy, were you wounded?"

"Bless you, yes; and very proud of it I am. I'll show you my scarssome day; but never mind that now. A while ago I went to England, seized with a sudden desire to find my wife. "

"I admire your patience in waiting; so flattering to me, you know, "was the sharp answer. 

"It looks like neglect, I confess; but I'd heard reports of yourflirtations, and twice of your being engaged, so I kept away till mywork was done. Was it true?"

"I never flirt, Sidney, and I was only engaged a little bit once ortwice. I didn't like it, and never mean to do so any more. "

"I shall see that you don't flirt; but you are very much engaged now, so put on your ring and make no romances about any 'S. P. ' but myself. "

"I shall wait till you clear your character; I'm not going to care fora deceitful impostor. What made you think of this prank?"

"You did. "

"I? How?"

"When in England I saw your picture, though you were many a mile away, and fell in love with it. Your mother told me much about you, and Isaw she would not frown upon my suit. I begged her not to tell you Ihad come, but let me find you and make myself known when I liked. You were in Switzerland, and I went after you. At Coblentz I metSigismund, and told him my case; he is full of romance, and when weoverheard you in the balcony we were glad of the hint. Sigismund waswith me when you came, and admired Helen immensely, so he was wild tohave a part in the frolic. I let him begin, and followed you unseen toHeidelberg, meaning to personate an artist. Meeting you at the castle, I made a good beginning with the vaults and the ring, and meant tofollow it up by acting the baron, you were so bent on finding him, butSigismund forbade it. Turning over a trunk of things left there theyear before, I came upon my old Polish uniform, and decided to be aThaddeus. "

"How well you did it! Wasn't it hard to act all the time?" asked Amy, wonderingly. 

"Very hard with Helen, she is so keen, but not a bit so with you, foryou are such a confiding soul any one could cheat you. I've betrayedmyself a dozen times, and you never saw it. Ah, it was capital fun toplay the forlorn exile, study English, and flirt with my cousin. "

"It was very base. I should think you'd be devoured with remorse. Aren't you sorry?"

"For one thing. I cropped my head lest you should know me. I was proudof my curls, but I sacrificed them all to you. "

"Peacock! Did you think that one glimpse of your black eyes and finehair would make such an impression that I should recognize you again?"

"I did, and for that reason disfigured my head, put on a mustache, andassumed hideous spectacles. Did you never suspect my disguise, Amy?"

"No. Helen used to say that she felt something was wrong, but I neverdid till the other night. "

"Didn't I do that well? I give you my word it was all done on the spurof the minute. I meant to speak soon, but had not decided how, whenyou came out so sweetly with that confounded old cloak, of which I'dno more need than an African has of a blanket. Then a scene I'd readin a novel came into my head, and I just repeated it _con amore_. WasI very pathetic and tragical. Amy?"

"I thought so then. It strikes me as ridiculous now, and I can't helpfeeling sorry that I wasted so much pity on a man who--"

"Loves you with all his heart and soul. Did you cry and grieve overme, dear little tender thing? and do you think now that I am aheartless fellow, bent only on amusing myself at the expense ofothers? It's not so; and you shall see how true and good and steady Ican be when I have any one to love and care for me. I've been alone solong it's new and beautiful to be petted, confided in, and looked upto by an angel like you. "

He was in earnest now; she felt it, and her anger melted away like dewbefore the sun. 

"Poor boy! You will go home with us now, and let us take care of youin quiet England. You'll play no more pranks, but go soberly to workand do something that shall make me proud to be your cousin, won'tyou?"

"If you'll change 'cousin' to 'wife' I'll be and do whatever youplease. Amy, when I was a poor, dying, Catholic foreigner you loved meand would have married me in spite of everything. Now that I'm yourwell, rich, Protestant cousin, who adores you as that Pole nevercould, you turn cold and cruel. Is it because the romance is gone, orbecause your love was only a girl's fancy, after all?"

"You deceived me and I can't forget it; but I'll try, " was the softanswer to his reproaches. 

"Are you disappointed that I'm not a baron?"

"A little bit. "

"Shall I be a count? They gave me a title in Poland, a barren honor, but all they had to offer, poor souls, in return for a little blood. Will you be Countess Zytomar and get laughed at for your pains, orplain Mrs. Power, with a good old English name?"

"Neither, thank you; it's only a girlish fancy, which will soon beforgotten. Does the baron love Helen?" asked Amy, abruptly. 

"Desperately, and she?"

"I think he will be happy; she is not one to make confidantes, but Iknow by her tenderness with me, her sadness lately, and something inher way of brightening when he comes, that she thinks much of him andloves Karl Hoffman. How it will be with the baron I cannot say. "

"No fear of him; he wins his way everywhere. I wish I were asfortunate;" and the gay young gentleman heaved an artful sigh andcoughed the cough that always brought such pity to the girl's softeyes. 

She glanced at him as he leaned pensively on the low wall, lookingdown into the lake, with the level rays of sunshine on his comely faceand figure. Something softer than pity stole into her eye, as shesaid, anxiously, --

"You are not really ill, Sidney?"

"I have been, and still need care, else I may have a relapse, " was thereply of this treacherous youth, whose constitution was as sound as abell. 

Amy clasped her hands, as if in a transport of gratitude, exclaiming, fervently, --

"What a relief it is to know that you are not doomed to--"

She paused with a shiver, as if the word were too hard to utter, andSidney turned to her with a beaming face, which changed to one ofmingled pain and anger, as she added, with a wicked glance, --

"Wear spectacles. "

"Amy, you've got no heart!" he cried, in a tone that banished her lastdoubt of his love and made her whisper tenderly, as she clung to hisarm, --

"No, dear; I've given it all to you. "

Punctual to the minute, Major Erskine marched into the _salon_, withMrs. Cumberland on his arm, exclaiming, as he eyed the four youngpeople together again, --

"Now, ladies, is it to be 'Paradise Lost' or 'Regained' for theprisoners at the bar?"

At this point the astonished gentleman found himself taken possessionof by four excited individuals, for the girls embraced and kissed him, the young men wrung his hand and thanked him, and all seemed benton assuring him that they were intensely happy, grateful andaffectionate. 

From this assault he emerged flushed and breathless, but beaming withsatisfaction, and saying paternally, --

"Bless you, my children, bless you. I hoped and worked for this, andto prove how well I practise what I preach, let me present to you--mywife. "

As he drew forward the plump widow with a face full of smilesand tears, a second rush was made, and congratulations, salutes, exclamations and embraces were indulged in to every one'ssatisfaction. 

As the excitement subsided the major said, simply, --

"We were married yesterday at Montreaux. Let me hope that you willprove as faithful as I have been, as happy as I am, as blest as Ishall be. I loved this lady in my youth, have waited many years, andam rewarded at last, for love never comes too late. "

The falter in his cheery voice, the dimness of his eyes, the smile onhis lips, and the gesture with which he returned the pressure of thehand upon his arm, told the little romance of the good major's lifemore eloquently than pages of fine writing, and touched the hearts ofthose who loved him. 

"I have been faithful for eleven years. Give me my reward soon, won'tyou, dear?" whispered Sidney. 

"Don't marry me to-morrow, and if mamma is willing I'll think about itby and by, " answered Amy. 

"It is beautiful! let us go and do likewise, " said Sigismund to hisbetrothed. 

But Helen, anxious to turn the thoughts of all from emotions too deepfor words, drew from her pocket a small pearl-colored object, whichshe gave to Amy with mock solemnity, as she said, turning to lay herhand again in her lover's, --

"Amy, our search is over. _You_ may keep the gloves; _I_ have thebaron. "

MY RED CAP

"He who serves well need not fear to ask his wages. "

I

It was under a blue cap that I first saw the honest face of JoeCollins. In the third year of the late war a Maine regiment waspassing through Boston, on its way to Washington. The Common was allalive with troops and the spectators who clustered round them to sayGod-speed, as the brave fellows marched away to meet danger and deathfor our sakes. 

Every one was eager to do something; and, as the men stood at ease, the people mingled freely with them, offering gifts, hearty grips ofthe hand, and hopeful prophecies of victory in the end. Irresistiblyattracted, my boy Tom and I drew near, and soon, becoming excited bythe scene, ravaged the fruit-stands in our neighborhood for tokens ofour regard, mingling candy and congratulations, peanuts and prayers, apples and applause, in one enthusiastic jumble. 

While Tom was off on his third raid, my attention was attracted bya man who stood a little apart, looking as if his thoughts were faraway. All the men were fine, stalwart fellows, as Maine men usuallyare; but this one over-topped his comrades, standing straight andtall as a Norway pine, with a face full of the mingled shrewdness, sobriety, and self-possession of the typical New Englander. I likedthe look of him; and, seeing that he seemed solitary, even in a crowd, I offered him my last apple with a word of interest. The keen blueeyes met mine gratefully, and the apple began to vanish in vigorousbites as we talked; for no one thought of ceremony at such a time. 

"Where are you from?"

"Woolidge, ma'am. "

"Are you glad to go?"

"Wal, there's two sides to that question. I calk'late to do my duty, and do it hearty: but it _is_ rough on a feller leavin' his folks, forgood, maybe. "

There was a sudden huskiness in the man's voice that was notapple-skins, though he tried to make believe that it was. I knew aword about home would comfort him, so I went on with my questions. 

"It is very hard. Do you leave a family?"

"My old mother, a sick brother, --and Lucindy. "

The last word was uttered in a tone of intense regret, and his browncheek reddened as he added hastily, to hide some embarrassment. --

"You see, Jim went last year, and got pretty well used up; so I feltas if I'd ought to take my turn now. Mother was a regular old heroabout it and I dropped everything, and come off. Lucindy didn't thinkit was my duty; and that made it awful hard, I tell you. "

"Wives are less patriotic than mothers, " I began; but he would nothear Lucindy blamed, and said quickly, --

"She ain't my wife yet, but we calk'lated to be married in a monthor so; and it was wus for her than for me, women lot so on not beingdisappointed. I _couldn't_ shirk, and here I be. When I git to work, Ishall be all right: the first wrench is the tryin' part. "

Here he straightened his broad shoulders, and turned his face towardthe flags fluttering far in front, as if no backward look shouldbetray the longing of his heart for mother, home, and wife. I likedthat little glimpse of character; and when Tom returned with emptyhands, reporting that every stall was exhausted, I told him to findout what the man would like best, then run across the street and getit. 

"I know without asking. Give us your purse, and I'll make him as happyas a king, " said the boy, laughing, as he looked up admiringly atour tall friend, who looked down on him with an elder-brotherly airpleasant to see. While Tom was gone, I found out Joe's name andbusiness, promised to write and tell his mother how finely theregiment went off, and was just expressing a hope that we might meetagain, for I too was going to the war as nurse, when the order to"Fall in!" came rolling down the ranks, and the talk was over. FearingTom would miss our man in the confusion, I kept my eye on him till theboy came rushing up with a packet of tobacco in one hand and a goodsupply of cigars in the other. Not a romantic offering, certainly, buta very acceptable one, as Joe's face proved, as we scrambled thesetreasures into his pockets, all laughing at the flurry, while lessfortunate comrades helped us, with an eye to a share of these fragrantluxuries by and by. There was just time for this, a hearty shake ofthe big hand, and a grateful "Good-by, ma'am;" then the word wasgiven, and they were off. Bent on seeing the last of them, Tom and Itook a short cut, and came out on the wide street down which so manytroops marched that year; and, mounting some high steps, we watchedfor our man, as we already called him. 

As the inspiring music, the grand tramp, drew near, the old thrillwent through the crowd, the old cheer broke out. But it was adifferent scene now than in the first enthusiastic, hopeful days. Young men and ardent boys filled the ranks then, brave by instinct, burning with loyal zeal, and blissfully unconscious of all that laybefore them. Now the blue coats were worn by mature men, some gray, all grave and resolute: husbands and fathers, with the memory of wivesand children tugging at their heart-strings; homes left desolatebehind them, and before them the grim certainty of danger, hardship, and perhaps the lifelong helplessness worse than death. Little of theglamour of romance about the war now: they saw it as it was, a long, hard task; and here were the men to do it well. Even the lookers-onwere different now. Once all was wild enthusiasm and glad uproar; nowmen's lips were set, and women's smileless as they cheered; fewerhandkerchiefs whitened the air, for wet eyes needed them; and suddenlulls, almost solemn in their stillness, followed the acclamationsof the crowd. All watched with quickened breath and brave souls thatliving wave, blue below, and bright with a steely glitter above, asit flowed down the street and away to distant battle-fields alreadystained with precious blood. 

"There he is! The outside man, and tallest of the lot. Give him acheer, auntie: he sees us, and remembers!" cried Tom, nearly tumblingoff his perch, as he waved his hat, and pointed out Joe Collins. 

Yes, there he was, looking up, with a smile on his brave brown face, my little nosegay in his button-hole, a suspicious bulge in the pocketclose by, and doubtless a comfortable quid in his mouth, to cheer theweary march. How like an old friend he looked, though we had only metfifteen minutes ago; how glad we were to be there to smile back athim, and send him on his way feeling that, even in a strange city, there was some one to say, "God bless you, Joe!" We watched thetallest blue cap till it vanished, and then went home in a glow ofpatriotism, --Tom to long for his turn to come, I to sew vigorously onthe gray gown the new nurse burned to wear as soon as possible, andboth of us to think and speak often of poor Joe Collins and hisLucindy. All this happened long ago; but it is well to recall thosestirring times, --to keep fresh the memory of sacrifices made for us bymen like these; to see to it that the debt we owe them is honestly, gladly paid; and, while we decorate the graves of those who died, toremember also those who still live to deserve our grateful care. 

II

I never expected to see Joe again; but, six months later, we did meetin a Washington hospital one winter's night. A train of ambulances hadleft their sad freight at our door, and we were hurrying to get thepoor fellows into much needed beds, after a week of hunger, cold, andunavoidable neglect. All forms of pain were in my ward that night, andall borne with the pathetic patience which was a daily marvel to thosewho saw it. 

Trying to bring order out of chaos, I was rushing up and down thenarrow aisle between the rows of rapidly filling beds, and, afterbrushing several times against a pair of the largest and muddiestboots I ever saw, I paused at last to inquire why they were impedingthe passageway. I found they belonged to a very tall man who seemed tobe already asleep or dead, so white and still and utterly worn out helooked as he lay there, without a coat, a great patch on his forehead, and the right arm rudely bundled up. Stooping to cover him, I saw thathe was unconscious, and, whipping out my brandy-bottle and salts, soonbrought him round, for it was only exhaustion. 

"Can you eat?" I asked, as he said, "Thanky, ma'am, " after a longdraught of water and a dizzy stare. 

"Eat! I'm starvin'!" he answered, with such a ravenous glance at afat nurse who happened to be passing, that I trembled for her, andhastened to take a bowl of soup from her tray. 

As I fed him, his gaunt, weather-beaten face had a familiar look; butso many such faces had passed before me that winter, I did not recallthis one till the ward-master came to put up the cards with thenew-comers' names above their beds. My man seemed absorbed in hisfood; but I naturally glanced at the card, and there was the name"Joseph Collins" to give me an additional interest in my new patient. 

"Why, Joe! is it really you?" I exclaimed, pouring the last spoonfulof soup down his throat so hastily that I choked him. 

"All that's left of me. Wal, ain't this luck, now?" gasped Joe, asgratefully as if that hospital-cot was a bed of roses. 

"What is the matter? A wound in the head and arm?" I asked, feelingsure that no slight affliction had brought Joe there. 

"Right arm gone. Shot off as slick as a whistle. I tell you, it's asing'lar kind of a feelin' to see a piece of your own body go flyin'away, with no prospect of ever coming back again, " said Joe, trying tomake light of one of the greatest misfortunes a man can suffer. 

"That is bad, but it might have been worse. Keep up your spirits, Joe;and we will soon have you fitted out with a new arm almost as good asnew. "

"I guess it won't do much lumberin', so that trade is done for. Is'pose there's things left-handed fellers can do, and I must learn 'emas soon as possible, since my fightin' days are over, " and Joe lookedat his one arm with a sigh that was almost a groan, helplessness issuch a trial to a manly man, --and he was eminently so. 

"What can I do to comfort you most, Joe? I'll send my good Ben to helpyou to bed, and will be here myself when the surgeon goes his rounds. Is there anything else that would make you more easy?"

"If you could just drop a line to mother to let her know I'm alive, itwould be a sight of comfort to both of us. I guess I'm in for a longspell of hospital, and I'd lay easier if I knew mother and Lucindywarn't frettin' about me. "

He must have been suffering terribly, but he thought of the women wholoved him before himself, and, busy as I was, I snatched a moment tosend a few words of hope to the old mother. Then I left him "layin'easy, " though the prospect of some months of wearing pain would havedaunted most men. If I had needed anything to increase my regard forJoe, it would have been the courage with which he bore a very badquarter of an hour with the surgeons; for his arm was in a dangerousstate, the wound in the head feverish for want of care; and a heavycold on the lungs suggested pneumonia as an added trial to his list ofills. 

"He will have a hard time of it, but I think he will pull through, as he is a temperate fellow, with a splendid constitution, " was thedoctor's verdict, as he left us for the next man, who was past help, with a bullet through his lungs. 

"I don'no as I hanker to live, and be a burden. If Jim was able to dofor mother, I feel as if I wouldn't mind steppin' out now I'm so furalong. As he ain't, I s'pose I must brace up, and do the best I can, "said Joe, as I wiped the drops from his forehead, and tried to look asif his prospect was a bright one. 

"You will have Lucindy to help you, you know; and that will makethings easier for all. "

"Think so? 'Pears to me I couldn't ask her to take care of threeinvalids for my sake. She ain't no folks of her own, nor much means, and ought to marry a man who can make things easy for her. Guess I'llhave to wait a spell longer before I say anything to Lucindy aboutmarryin' now;" and a look of resolute resignation settled on Joe'shaggard face as he gave up his dearest hope. 

"I think Lucindy will have something to say, if she is like mostwomen, and you will find the burdens much lighter, for sharing thembetween you. Don't worry about that, but get well, and go home as soonas you can. "

"All right, ma'am;" and Joe proved himself a good soldier by obeyingorders, and falling asleep like a tired child, as the first steptoward recovery. 

For two months I saw Joe daily, and learned to like him very much, hewas so honest, genuine, and kind-hearted. So did his mates, for hemade friends with them all by sharing such small luxuries as came tohim, for he was a favorite; and, better still, he made sunshine inthat sad place by the brave patience with which he bore his owntroubles, the cheerful consolation he always gave to others. A drollfellow was Joe at times, for under his sobriety lay much humor; and Isoon discovered that a visit from him was more efficacious than othercordials in cases of despondency and discontent. Roars of laughtersometimes greeted me as I went into his ward, and Joe's jokes werepassed round as eagerly as the water-pitcher. 

Yet he had much to try him, not only in the ills that vexed his flesh, but the cares that tried his spirit, and the future that lay beforehim, full of anxieties and responsibilities which seemed so heavy nowwhen the strong right arm, that had cleared all obstacles away before, was gone. The letters I wrote for him, and those he received, toldthe little story very plainly; for he read them to me, and found muchcomfort in talking over his affairs, as most men do when illnessmakes them dependent on a woman. Jim was evidently sick and selfish. Lucindy, to judge from the photograph cherished so tenderly underJoe's pillow, was a pretty, weak sort of a girl, with little characteror courage to help poor Joe with his burdens. The old mother was verylike her son, and stood by him "like a hero, " as he said, but wasevidently failing, and begged him to come home as soon as he was able, that she might see him comfortably settled before she must leave him. Her courage sustained his, and the longing to see her hastened hisdeparture as soon as it was safe to let him go; for Lucindy's letterswere always of a dismal sort, and made him anxious to put his shoulderto the wheel. 

"She always set consider'ble by me, mother did, bein' the oldest; andI wouldn't miss makin' her last days happy, not if it cost me all thearms and legs I've got, " said Joe, as he awkwardly struggled into thebig boots an hour after leave to go home was given him. 

It was pleasant to see his comrades gather round him with such heartyadieus that his one hand must have tingled; to hear the good wishesand the thanks called after him by pale creatures in their beds; andto find tears in many eyes beside my own when he was gone, and nothingwas left of him but the empty cot, the old gray wrapper, and the nameupon the wall. 

I kept that card among my other relics, and hoped to meet Joe againsomewhere in the world. He sent me one or two letters, then I wenthome; the war ended soon after, time passed, and the little story ofmy Maine lumberman was laid away with many other experiences whichmade that part of my life a very memorable one. 

III

Some years later, as I looked out of my window one dull November day, the only cheerful thing I saw was the red cap of a messenger who wasexamining the slate that hung on a wall opposite my hotel. A tall manwith gray hair and beard, one arm, and a blue army-coat. I alwayssalute, figuratively at least, when I see that familiar blue, especially if one sleeve of the coat is empty; so I watched themessenger with interest as he trudged away on some new errand, wishinghe had a better day and a thicker pair of boots. He was an unusuallylarge, well-made man, and reminded me of a fine building going toruin before its time; for the broad shoulders were bent, there was astiffness about the long legs suggestive of wounds or rheumatism, andthe curly hair looked as if snow had fallen on it too soon. Sitting atwork in my window, I fell into the way of watching my Red Cap, as Icalled him, with more interest than I did the fat doves on the roofopposite, or the pert sparrows hopping in the mud below. I liked thesteady way in which he plodded on through fair weather or foul, as ifintent on doing well the one small service he had found to do. I likedhis cheerful whistle as he stood waiting for a job under the porchof the public building where his slate hung, watching the luxuriouscarriages roll by, and the well-to-do gentlemen who daily passed himto their comfortable homes, with a steady, patient sort of face, as ifwondering at the inequalities of fortune, yet neither melancholy normorose over the small share of prosperity which had fallen to his lot. 

I often planned to give him a job, that I might see him nearer; butI had few errands, and little Bob, the hall-boy, depended on doingthose: so the winter was nearly over before I found out that my RedCap was an old friend. 

A parcel came for me one day, and bidding the man wait for an answer, I sat down to write it, while the messenger stood just inside thedoor like a sentinel on duty. When I looked up to give my note anddirections, I found the man staring at me with a beaming yet bashfulface, as he nodded, saying heartily, --

"I mistrusted it was you, ma'am, soon's I see the name on the bundle, and I guess I ain't wrong. It's a number of years sence we met, andyou don't remember Joe Collins as well as he does you, I reckon?"

"Why, how you have changed! I've been seeing you every day all winter, and never knew you, " I said, shaking hands with my old patient, andvery glad to see him. 

"Nigh on to twenty years makes consid'able of a change in folks, 'specially if they have a pretty hard row to hoe. "

"Sit down and warm yourself while you tell me all about it; there isno hurry for this answer, and I'll pay for your time. "

Joe laughed as if that was a good joke, and sat down as if the firewas quite as welcome as the friend. 

"How are they all at home?" I asked, as he sat turning his cap round, not quite knowing where to begin. 

"I haven't got any home nor any folks neither;" and the melancholywords banished the brightness from his rough face like a cloud. "Mother died soon after I got back. Suddin', but she was ready, and Iwas there, so she was happy. Jim lived a number of years, and was asight of care, poor feller; but we managed to rub along, though we hadto sell the farm: for I couldn't do much with one arm, and doctor'sbills right along stiddy take a heap of money. He was as comfortableas he could be; and, when he was gone, it wasn't no great matter, forthere was only me, and I don't mind roughin' it. "

"But Lucindy, where was she?" I asked very naturally. 

"Oh! she married another man long ago. Couldn't expect her to takeme and my misfortins. She's doin' well, I hear, and that's a comfortanyway. "

There was a look on Joe's face, a tone in Joe's voice as he spoke, that plainly showed how much he had needed comfort when left to bearhis misfortunes all alone. But he made no complaint, uttered noreproach, and loyally excused Lucindy's desertion with a simple sortof dignity that made it impossible to express pity or condemnation. 

"How came you here, Joe?" I asked, making a sudden leap from past topresent. 

"I had to scratch for a livin', and can't do much: so, after tryin' anumber of things, I found this. My old wounds pester me a good deal, and rheumatism is bad winters; but, while my legs hold out, I can giton. A man can't set down and starve; so I keep waggin' as long as Ican. When I can't do no more, I s'pose there's almshouse and hospitalready for me. "

"That is a dismal prospect, Joe. There ought to be a comfortable placefor such as you to spend your last days in. I am sure you have earnedit. "

"Wal, it does seem ruther hard on us when we've give all we had, andgive it free and hearty, to be left to knock about in our old age. Butthere's so many poor folks to be took care of, we don't get much ofa chance, for _we_ ain't the beggin' sort, " said Joe, with a wistfullook at the wintry world outside, as if it would be better to liequiet under the snow, than to drag out his last painful years, friendless and forgotten, in some refuge of the poor. 

"Some kind people have been talking of a home for soldiers, and I hopethe plan will be carried out. It will take time; but, if it comes topass, you shall be one of the first men to enter that home, Joe, if Ican get you there. "

"That sounds mighty cheerin' and comfortable, thanky, ma'am. Idlenessis dreadful tryin' to me, and I'd rather wear out than rust out; so Iguess I can weather it a spell longer. But it will be pleasant to lookforrard to a snug harbor bymeby. I feel a sight better just hearin'tell about it. " He certainly looked so, faint as the hope was; for themelancholy eyes brightened as if they already saw a happier refuge inthe future than almshouse, hospital, or grave, and, when he trudgedaway upon my errand, he went as briskly as if every step took himnearer to the promised home. 

After that day it was all up with Bob, for I told my neighbors Joe'sstory, and we kept him trotting busily, adding little gifts, andtaking the sort of interest in him that comforted the lonely fellow, and made him feel that he had not outlived his usefulness. I neverlooked out when he was at his post that he did not smile back at me; Inever passed him in the street that the red cap was not touched with amilitary flourish; and, when any of us beckoned to him, no twinge ofrheumatism was too sharp to keep him from hurrying to do our errands, as if he had Mercury's winged feet. 

Now and then he came in for a chat, and always asked how the Soldiers'Home was prospering; expressing his opinion that "Boston was thecharitablest city under the sun, and he was sure he and his mateswould be took care of somehow. "

When we parted in the spring, I told him things looked hopeful, badehim be ready for a good long rest as soon as the hospitable doors wereopen, and left him nodding cheerfully. 

IV

But in the autumn I looked in vain for Joe. The slate was in its oldplace, and a messenger came and went on his beat; but a strange facewas under the red cap, and this man had two arms and one eye. I askedfor Collins, but the new-comer had only a vague idea that he was dead;and the same answer was given me at headquarters, though none of thebusy people seemed to know when or where he died. So I mourned forJoe, and felt that it was very hard he could not have lived to enjoythe promised refuge; for, relying upon the charity that never fails, the Home was an actual fact now, just beginning its beneficent career. People were waking up to this duty, money was coming in, meetings werebeing held, and already a few poor fellows were in the refuge, feelingthemselves no longer paupers, but invalid soldiers honorably supportedby the State they had served. Talking it over one day with a friend, who spent her life working for the Associated Charities, she said, --

"By the way, there is a man boarding with one of my poor women, whoought to be got into the Home, if he will go. I don't know much abouthim, except that he was in the army, has been very ill with rheumaticfever, and is friendless. I asked Mrs. Flanagin how she managed tokeep him, and she said she had help while he was sick, and now he isable to hobble about, he takes care of the children, so she is able togo out to work. He won't go to his own town, because there is nothingfor him there but the almshouse, and he dreads a hospital; sostruggles along, trying to earn his bread tending babies with his onearm. A sad case, and in your line; I wish you'd look into it. "

"That sounds like my Joe, one arm and all. I'll go and see him; I've aweakness for soldiers, sick or well. "

I went, and never shall forget the pathetic little tableau I saw as Iopened Mrs. Flanagin's dingy door; for she was out, and no one heardmy tap. The room was redolent of suds, and in a grove of damp clotheshung on lines sat a man with a crying baby laid across his lap, whilehe fed three small children standing at his knee with bread andmolasses. How he managed with one arm to keep the baby from squirmingon to the floor, the plate from upsetting, and to feed the hungryurchins who stood in a row with open mouths, like young birds, waspast my comprehension. But he did, trotting baby gently, dealing outsweet morsels patiently, and whistling to himself, as if to beguilehis labors cheerfully. 

The broad back, the long legs, the faded coat, the low whistle wereall familiar; and, dodging a wet sheet, I faced the man to find itwas indeed my Joe! A mere shadow of his former self, after months ofsuffering that had crippled him for life, but brave and patient still;trying to help himself, and not ask aid though brought so low. 

For an instant I could not speak to him, and, encumbered with baby, dish, spoon, and children, he could only stare at me with a suddenbrightening of the altered face that made it full of welcome before aword was uttered. 

"They told me you were dead, and I only heard of you by accident, notknowing I should find my old friend alive, but not well, I'm afraid?"

"There ain't much left of me but bones and pain, ma'am. I'm powerfulglad to see you all the same. Dust off a chair, Patsey, and let thelady set down. You go in the corner, and take turns lickin' the dish, while I see company, " said Joe, disbanding his small troop, andshouldering the baby as if presenting arms in honor of his guest. 

"Why didn't you let me know how sick you were? And how came they tothink you dead?" I asked, as he festooned the wet linen out of theway, and prepared to enjoy himself as best he could. 

"I did send once, when things was at the wust; but you hadn't gotback, and then somehow I thought I was goin' to be mustered out forgood, and so wouldn't trouble nobody. But my orders ain't come yet, and I am doing the fust thing that come along. It ain't much, but thegood soul stood by me, and I ain't ashamed to pay my debts this way, sence I can't do it in no other;" and Joe cradled the chubby baby inhis one arm as tenderly as if it had been his own, though little Biddywas not an inviting infant. 

"That is very beautiful and right, Joe, and I honor you for it; butyou were not meant to tend babies, so sing your last lullabies, and beready to go to the Home as soon as I can get you there. "

"Really, ma'am? I used to lay and kind of dream about it when Icouldn't stir without yellin' out; but I never thought it would evercome to happen. I see a piece in the paper describing it, and itsounded dreadful nice. Shouldn't wonder if I found some of my matesthere. They were a good lot, and deservin' of all that could be donefor 'em, " said Joe, trotting the baby briskly, as if the prospectexcited him, as well it might, for the change from that damp nurseryto the comfortable quarters prepared for him would be like going fromPurgatory to Paradise. 

"I don't wonder you don't get well living in such a place, Joe. Youshould have gone home to Woolwich, and let your friends help you, " Isaid, feeling provoked with him for hiding himself. 

"No, ma'am!" he answered, with a look I never shall forget, it was sofull of mingled patience, pride, and pain. "I haven't a relationin the world but a couple of poor old aunts, and they couldn't doanything for me. As for asking help of folks I used to know, Icouldn't do it; and if you think I'd go to Lucindy, though she is waloff, you don't know Joe Collins. I'd die fust! If she was poor and Irich, I'd do for her like a brother; but I couldn't ask no favors ofher, not if I begged my vittles in the street, or starved. I forgive, but I don't forgit in a hurry; and the woman that stood by me when Iwas down is the woman I believe in, and can take my bread from withoutshame. Hooray for Biddy Flanagin! God bless her!" and, as if to find avent for the emotion that filled his eyes with grateful tears, Joeled off the cheer, which the children shrilly echoed, and I joinedheartily. 

"I shall come for you in a few days; so cuddle the baby and make muchof the children before you part. It won't take you long to pack up, will it?" I asked, as we subsided with a general laugh. 

"I reckon not as I don't own any clothes but what I set in, except acouple of old shirts and them socks. My hat's stoppin' up the winder, and my old coat is my bed-cover. I'm awful shabby, ma'am, and that'sone reason I don't go out more. I can hobble some, but I ain't gotused to bein' a scarecrow yet, " and Joe glanced from the hose withoutheels that hung on the line to the ragged suit he wore, with aresigned expression that made me long to rush out and buy up half thecontents of Oak Hall on the spot. 

Curbing this wild impulse I presently departed with promises of speedytransportation for Joe, and unlimited oranges to assuage the pangs ofparting for the young Flanagins, who escorted me to the door, whileJoe waved the baby like a triumphal banner till I got round thecorner. 

There was such a beautiful absence of red tape about the newinstitution that it only needed a word in the right ear to set thingsgoing; and then, with a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull alltogether, Joe Collins was taken up and safely landed in the Home he somuch needed and so well deserved. 

A happier man or a more grateful one it would be hard to find, and ifa visitor wants an enthusiastic guide about the place, Joe is the oneto take, for all is comfort, sunshine, and good-will to him; andhe unconsciously shows how great the need of this refuge is, ashe hobbles about on his lame feet, pointing out its beauties, conveniences, and delights with his one arm, while his face shines, and his voice quavers a little as he says gratefully, --

"The State don't forget us, you see, and this is a Home wuth havin'. Long life to it!"

WHAT THE BELLS SAW AND SAID

[Written in 1867. ]

"Bells ring others to church, but go not in themselves. "

No one saw the spirits of the bells up there in the old steeple atmidnight on Christmas Eve. Six quaint figures, each wrapped in ashadowy cloak and wearing a bell-shaped cap. All were gray-headed, forthey were among the oldest bell-spirits of the city, and "the light ofother days" shone in their thoughtful eyes. Silently they sat, lookingdown on the snow-covered roofs glittering in the moonlight, and thequiet streets deserted by all but the watchmen on their chilly rounds, and such poor souls as wandered shelterless in the winter night. Presently one of the spirits said, in a tone, which, low as it was, filled the belfry with reverberating echoes, --

"Well, brothers, are your reports ready of the year that now liesdying?"

All bowed their heads, and one of the oldest answered in a sonorousvoice:--

"My report isn't all I could wish. You know I look down on thecommercial part of our city and have fine opportunities for seeingwhat goes on there. It's my business to watch the business men, andupon my word I'm heartily ashamed of them sometimes. During the warthey did nobly, giving their time and money, their sons and selves tothe good cause, and I was proud of them. But now too many of them havefallen back into the old ways, and their motto seems to be, 'Every onefor himself, and the devil take the hindmost. ' Cheating, lying andstealing are hard words, and I don't mean to apply them to _all_ whoswarm about below there like ants on an ant-hill--_they_ have othernames for these things, but I'm old-fashioned and use plain words. There's a deal too much dishonesty in the world, and business seems tohave become a game of hazard in which luck, not labor, wins the prize. When I was young, men were years making moderate fortunes, and weresatisfied with them. They built them on sure foundations, knew how toenjoy them while they lived, and to leave a good name behind them whenthey died. 

"Now it's anything for money; health, happiness, honor, life itself, are flung down on that great gaming-table, and they forget everythingelse in the excitement of success or the desperation of defeat. Nobodyseems satisfied either, for those who win have little time or tasteto enjoy their prosperity, and those who lose have little courage orpatience to support them in adversity. They don't even fail as theyused to. In my day when a merchant found himself embarrassed he didn'truin others in order to save himself, but honestly confessed thetruth, gave up everything, and began again. But now-a-days after allmanner of dishonorable shifts there comes a grand crash; many suffer, but by some hocus-pocus the merchant saves enough to retire upon andlive comfortably here or abroad. It's very evident that honor andhonesty don't mean now what they used to mean in the days of old May, Higginson and Lawrence. 

"They preach below here, and very well too sometimes, for I oftenslide down the rope to peep and listen during service. But, bless you!they don't seem to lay either sermon, psalm or prayer to heart, forwhile the minister is doing his best, the congregation, tired withthe breathless hurry of the week, sleep peacefully, calculate theirchances for the morrow, or wonder which of their neighbors will loseor win in the great game. Don't tell me! I've seen them do it, and ifI dared I'd have startled every soul of them with a rousing peal. Ah, they don't dream whose eye is on them, they never guess what secretsthe telegraph wires tell as the messages fly by, and little knowwhat a report I give to the winds of heaven as I ring out above themmorning, noon, and night. " And the old spirit shook his head till thetassel on his cap jangled like a little bell. 

"There are some, however, whom I love and honor, " he said, in abenignant tone, "who honestly earn their bread, who deserve all thesuccess that comes to them, and always keep a warm corner in theirnoble hearts for those less blest than they. These are the men whoserve the city in times of peace, save it in times of war, deserve thehighest honors in its gift, and leave behind them a record that keepstheir memories green. For such an one we lately tolled a knell, mybrothers; and as our united voices pealed over the city, in allgrateful hearts, sweeter and more solemn than any chime, rung thewords that made him so beloved, --

"'Treat our dead boys tenderly, and send them home to me. '"

He ceased, and all the spirits reverently uncovered their gray headsas a strain of music floated up from the sleeping city and died amongthe stars. 

"Like yours, my report is not satisfactory in all respects, " began thesecond spirit, who wore a very pointed cap and a finely ornamentedcloak. But, though his dress was fresh and youthful, his face wasold, and he had nodded several times during his brother's speech. "My greatest affliction during the past year has been the terribleextravagance which prevails. My post, as you know, is at the court endof the city, and I see all the fashionable vices and follies. It isa marvel to me how so many of these immortal creatures, with suchopportunities for usefulness, self-improvement and genuine happinesscan be content to go round and round in one narrow circle ofunprofitable and unsatisfactory pursuits. I do my best to warn them;Sunday after Sunday I chime in their ears the beautiful old hymnsthat sweetly chide or cheer the hearts that truly listen and believe;Sunday after Sunday I look down on them as they pass in, hoping to seethat my words have not fallen upon deaf ears; and Sunday after Sundaythey listen to words that should teach them much, yet seem to go bythem like the wind. They are told to love their neighbor, yet too manyhate him because he possesses more of this world's goods or honorsthan they: they are told that a rich man cannot enter the kingdom ofheaven, yet they go on laying up perishable wealth, and though oftenwarned that moth and rust will corrupt, they fail to believe it tillthe worm that destroys enters and mars their own chapel of ease. Beinga spirit, I see below external splendor and find much poverty of heartand soul under the velvet and the ermine which should cover rich androyal natures. Our city saints walk abroad in threadbare suits, andunder quiet bonnets shine the eyes that make sunshine in the shadyplaces. Often as I watch the glittering procession passing to and frobelow me. I wonder if, with all our progress, there is to-day as muchreal piety as in the times when our fathers, poorly clad, with weaponin one hand and Bible in the other, came weary distances to worship inthe wilderness with fervent faith unquenched by danger, suffering andsolitude. 

"Yet in spite of my fault-finding I love my children, as I callthem, for all are not butterflies. Many find wealth no temptation toforgetfulness of duty or hardness of heart. Many give freely of theirabundance, pity the poor, comfort the afflicted, and make our cityloved and honored in other lands as in our own. They have their cares, losses, and heartaches as well as the poor; it isn't all sunshine withthem, and they learn, poor souls, that

 "'Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and dreary. '

"But I've hopes of them, and lately they have had a teacher so genial, so gifted, so well-beloved that all who listen to him must be betterfor the lessons of charity, good-will and cheerfulness which he bringshome to them by the magic of tears and smiles. We know him, we lovehim, we always remember him as the year comes round, and the blithestsong our brazen tongues utter is a Christmas carol to the Father of'The Chimes!'"

As the spirit spoke his voice grew cheery, his old face shone, and ina burst of hearty enthusiasm he flung up his cap and cheered like aboy. So did the others, and as the fairy shout echoed through thebelfry a troop of shadowy figures, with faces lovely or grotesque, tragical or gay, sailed by on the wings of the wintry wind and wavedtheir hands to the spirits of the bells. 

As the excitement subsided and the spirits reseated themselves, looking ten years younger for that burst, another spoke. A venerablebrother in a dingy mantle, with a tuneful voice, and eyes that seemedto have grown sad with looking on much misery. 

"He loves the poor, the man we've just hurrahed for, and he makesothers love and remember them, bless him!" said the spirit. "I hopehe'll touch the hearts of those who listen to him here and beguilethem to open their hands to my unhappy children over yonder. If Icould set some of the forlorn souls in my parish beside the happiercreatures who weep over imaginary woes as they are painted by hiseloquent lips, that brilliant scene would be better than any sermon. Day and night I look down on lives as full of sin, self-sacrifice andsuffering as any in those famous books. Day and night I try tocomfort the poor by my cheery voice, and to make their wants known byproclaiming them with all my might. But people seem to be so intent onbusiness, pleasure or home duties that they have no time to hear andanswer my appeal. There's a deal of charity in this good city, andwhen the people do wake up they work with a will; but I can't helpthinking that if some of the money lavished on luxuries was spent onnecessaries for the poor, there would be fewer tragedies like thatwhich ended yesterday. It's a short story, easy to tell, though longand hard to live; listen to it. 

"Down yonder in the garret of one of the squalid houses at the foot ofmy tower, a little girl has lived for a year, fighting silently andsingle-handed a good fight against poverty and sin. I saw her when shefirst came, a hopeful, cheerful, brave-hearted little soul, alone, yetnot afraid. She used to sit all day sewing at her window, and her lampburnt far into the night, for she was very poor, and all she earnedwould barely give her food and shelter. I watched her feed the doves, who seemed to be her only friends; she never forgot them, and dailygave them the few crumbs that fell from her meagre table. But therewas no kind hand to feed and foster the little human dove, and so shestarved. 

"For a while she worked bravely, but the poor three dollars a weekwould not clothe and feed and warm her, though the things her busyfingers made sold for enough to keep her comfortably if she hadreceived it. I saw the pretty color fade from her cheeks; her eyesgrew hollow, her voice lost its cheery ring, her step its elasticity, and her face began to wear the haggard, anxious look that made itsyouth doubly pathetic. Her poor little gowns grew shabby, her shawl sothin she shivered when the pitiless wind smote her, and her feet werealmost bare. Rain and snow beat on the patient little figure goingto and fro, each morning with hope and courage faintly shining, eachevening with the shadow of despair gathering darker round her. It wasa hard time for all, desperately hard for her, and in her poverty, sinand pleasure tempted her. She resisted, but as another bitter wintercame she feared that in her misery she might yield, for body and soulwere weakened now by the long struggle. She knew not where to turnfor help; there seemed to be no place for her at any safe and happyfireside; life's hard aspect daunted her, and she turned to death, saying confidingly, 'Take me while I'm innocent and not afraid to go. '

"I saw it all! I saw how she sold everything that would bring moneyand paid her little debts to the utmost penny; how she set her poorroom in order for the last time; how she tenderly bade the dovesgood-by, and lay down on her bed to die. At nine o'clock last night asmy bell rang over the city, I tried to tell what was going on in thegarret where the light was dying out so fast. I cried to them with allmy strength. --

"'Kind souls, below there! a fellow-creature is perishing for lackof charity! Oh, help her before it is too late! Mothers, with littledaughters on your knees, stretch out your hands and take her in! Happywomen, in the safe shelter of home, think of her desolation! Rich men, who grind the faces of the poor, remember that this soul will one daybe required of you! Dear Lord, let not this little sparrow fall tothe ground! Help, Christian men and women, in the name of Him whosebirthday blessed the world!'

"Ah me! I rang, and clashed, and cried in vain. The passers-by onlysaid, as they hurried home, laden with Christmas cheer: 'The old bellis merry to-night, as it should be at this blithe season, bless it!'

"As the clocks struck ten, the poor child lay down, saying, as shedrank the last bitter draught life could give her, 'It's very cold, but soon I shall not feel it;' and with her quiet eyes fixed on thecross that glimmered in the moonlight above me, she lay waiting forthe sleep that needs no lullaby. 

"As the clock struck eleven, pain and poverty for her were over. Itwas bitter cold, but she no longer felt it. She lay serenely sleeping, with tired heart and hands, at rest forever. As the clocks strucktwelve, the dear Lord remembered her, and with fatherly hand led herinto the home where there is room for all. To-day I rung her knell, and though my heart was heavy, yet my soul was glad; for in spite ofall her human woe and weakness, I am sure that little girl will keep ajoyful Christmas up in heaven. "

In the silence which the spirits for a moment kept, a breath of softerair than any from the snowy world below swept through the steeple andseemed to whisper, "Yes!"

"Avast there! fond as I am of salt water, I don't like this kind, "cried the breezy voice of the fourth spirit, who had a tiny shipinstead of a tassel on his cap, and who wiped his wet eyes with thesleeve of his rough blue cloak. "It won't take me long to spin myyarn; for things are pretty taut and ship-shape aboard our craft. Captain Taylor is an experienced sailor, and has brought many a shipsafely into port in spite of wind and tide, and the devil's ownwhirlpools and hurricanes. If you want to see earnestness come aboardsome Sunday when the Captain's on the quarter-deck, and take anobservation. No danger of falling asleep there, no more than there isup aloft, 'when the stormy winds do blow. ' Consciences get raked foreand aft, sins are blown clean out of the water, false colors arehauled down and true ones run up to the masthead, and many an immortalsoul is warned to steer off in time from the pirates, rocks andquicksands of temptation. He's a regular revolving light, is theCaptain, --a beacon always burning and saying plainly, 'Here arelife-boats, ready to put off in all weathers and bring the shipwreckedinto quiet waters. ' He comes but seldom now, being laid up in the homedock, tranquilly waiting till his turn comes to go out with the tideand safely ride at anchor in the great harbor of the Lord. Our crewvaries a good deal. Some of 'em have rather rough voyages, and comeinto port pretty well battered; land-sharks fall foul of a good many, and do a deal of damage; but most of 'em carry brave and tender heartsunder the blue jackets, for their rough nurse, the sea, manages tokeep something of the child alive in the grayest old tar that makesthe world his picture-book. We try to supply 'em with life-preserverswhile at sea, and make 'em feel sure of a hearty welcome when ashore, and I believe the year '67 will sail away into eternity with asatisfactory cargo. Brother North-End made me pipe my eye; so I'llmake him laugh to pay for it, by telling a clerical joke I heard theother day. Bellows didn't make it, though he might have done so, ashe's a connection of ours, and knows how to use his tongue as wellas any of us. Speaking of the bells of a certain town, a reverendgentleman affirmed that each bell uttered an appropriate remark soplainly, that the words were audible to all. The Baptist bell cried, briskly, 'Come up and be dipped! come up and be dipped!' TheEpiscopal bell slowly said, 'Apos-tol-ic suc-cess-ion! apos-tol-icsuc-cess-ion!' The Orthodox bell solemnly pronounced, 'Eternaldamnation! eternal damnation!' and the Methodist shouted, invitingly, 'Room for all! room for all!'"

As the spirit imitated the various calls, as only a jovial bell-spritecould, the others gave him a chime of laughter, and vowed they wouldeach adopt some tuneful summons, which should reach human ears anddraw human feet more willingly to church. 

"Faith, brother, you've kept your word and got the laugh out of us, "cried a stout, sleek spirit, with a kindly face, and a row of littlesaints round his cap and a rosary at his side. "It's very well we aredoing this year; the cathedral is full, the flock increasing, and thetrue faith holding its own entirely. Ye may shake your heads if youwill and fear there'll be trouble, but I doubt it. We've warm heartsof our own, and the best of us don't forget that when we werestarving, America--the saints bless the jewel!--sent us bread; when wewere dying for lack of work, America opened her arms and took us in, and now helps us to build churches, homes and schools by giving us ashare of the riches all men work for and win. It's a generous nationye are, and a brave one, and we showed our gratitude by fighting forye in the day of trouble and giving ye our Phil, and many anotherbroth of a boy. The land is wide enough for us both, and while we workand fight and grow together, each may learn something from the other. I'm free to confess that your religion looks a bit cold and hard tome, even here in the good city where each man may ride his own hobbyto death, and hoot at his neighbors as much as he will. You seem tokeep your piety shut up all the week in your bare, white churches, andonly let it out on Sundays, just a trifle musty with disuse. You setyour rich, warm and soft to the fore, and leave the poor shivering atthe door. You give your people bare walls to look upon, common-placemusic to listen to, dull sermons to put them asleep, and then wonderwhy they stay away, or take no interest when they come. 

"We leave our doors open day and night; our lamps are always burning, and we may come into our Father's house at any hour. We let rich andpoor kneel together, all being equal there. With us abroad you'll seeprince and peasant side by side, school-boy and bishop, market-womanand noble lady, saint and sinner, praying to the Holy Mary, whosemotherly arms are open to high and low. We make our churches invitingwith immortal music, pictures by the world's great masters, and ritesthat are splendid symbols of the faith we hold. Call it mummery ifye like, but let me ask you why so many of your sheep stray into ourfold? It's because they miss the warmth, the hearty, the maternaltenderness which all souls love and long for, and fail to find in yourstern. Puritanical belief. By Saint Peter! I've seen many a lukewarmworshipper, who for years has nodded in your cushioned pews, wake andglow with something akin to genuine piety while kneeling on the stonepavement of one of our cathedrals, with Raphael's angels before hiseyes, with strains of magnificent music in his ears, and all abouthim, in shapes of power or beauty, the saints and martyrs who havesaved the world, and whose presence inspires him to follow theirdivine example. It's not complaining of ye I am, but just reminding yethat men are but children after all, and need more tempting to virtuethan they do to vice, which last comes easy to 'em since the Fall. Doyour best in your own ways to get the poor souls into bliss, and goodluck to ye. But remember, there's room in the Holy Mother Church forall, and when your own priests send ye to the divil, come straight tous and we'll take ye in. "

"A truly Catholic welcome, bull and all, " said the sixth spirit, who, in spite of his old-fashioned garments, had a youthful face, earnest, fearless eyes, and an energetic voice that woke the echoes with itsvigorous tones. "I've a hopeful report, brothers, for the reforms ofthe day are wheeling into rank and marching on. The war isn't over norrebeldom conquered yet, but the Old Guard has been 'up and at 'em'through the year. There has been some hard fighting, rivers of inkhave flowed, and the Washington dawdlers have signalized themselves bya 'masterly inactivity. ' The political campaign has been an anxiousone; some of the leaders have deserted; some been mustered out; somehave fallen gallantly, and as yet have received no monuments. But atthe Grand Review the Cross of the Legion of Honor will surely shine onmany a brave breast that won no decoration but its virtue here; forthe world's fanatics make heaven's heroes, poets say. 

"The flock of Nightingales that flew South during the 'winter of ourdiscontent' are all at home again, some here and some in Heaven. Butthe music of their womanly heroism still lingers in the nation'smemory, and makes a tender minor-chord in the battle-hymn of freedom. 

"The reform in literature isn't as vigorous as I could wish; but asharp attack of mental and moral dyspepsia will soon teach _our_people that French confectionery and the bad pastry of Wood, Bracdon, Yates & Co. Is not the best diet for the rising generation. 

"Speaking of the rising generation reminds me of the schools. They aredoing well; they always are, and we are justly proud of them. There may be a slight tendency toward placing too much valueupon book-learning; too little upon home culture. Our girls areacknowledged to be uncommonly pretty, witty and wise, but some ofus wish they had more health and less excitement, more domesticaccomplishments and fewer ologies and isms, and were contented withsimple pleasures and the old-fashioned virtues, and not quite so fondof the fast, frivolous life that makes them old so soon. I am fondof our girls and boys. I love to ring for their christenings andmarriages, to toll proudly for the brave lads in blue, and tenderlyfor the innocent creatures whose seats are empty under my old roof. I want to see them anxious to make Young America a model of virtue, strength and beauty, and I believe they will in time. 

"There have been some important revivals in religion; for the worldwon't stand still, and we must keep pace or be left behind tofossilize. A free nation must have a religion broad enough to embraceall mankind, deep enough to fathom and fill the human soul, highenough to reach the source of all love and wisdom, and pure enough tosatisfy the wisest and the best. Alarm bells have been rung, anathemaspronounced, and Christians, forgetful of their creed, have abusedone another heartily. But the truth always triumphs in the end, andwhoever sincerely believes, works and waits for it, by whatevername he calls it, will surely find his own faith blessed to him inproportion to his charity for the faith of others. 

"But look!--the first red streaks of dawn are in the East. Our vigilis over, and we must fly home to welcome in the holidays. Before wepart, join with me, brothers, in resolving that through the comingyear we will with all our hearts and tongues, --

 "'Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring out the false, ring in the true; Ring in the valiant man and free, Ring in the Christ that is to be. '"

Then hand in hand the spirits of the bells floated away, singing inthe hush of dawn the sweet song the stars sung over Bethlehem, --"Peaceon earth, good will to men. "