ho of impatience in his voice.

"Of course she did no such foolish thing. I saw to that," said Arthur.
"But which is it to be? A walk, or a quiet visit at home?"

"Oh! a walk, by all means," said Charlie Millar.

"I have a great mind not to go," said Harry.

"Nonsense, man! One would think you were about to receive the reward of
your evil deeds. I refer to you, Miss Elliott. Would it be respectful
to the new firm, if he were to refuse to go?"

"Bother the new firm," said Harry, impatiently.

"The new partner, you mean. He has taken a most unreasonable dislike to
my brother at first sight--calls him proud, and a snob, because he
happens to be shy and awkward with strangers."

"Shy! A six-footer, with a beard enough for three. After that I'll
vanish," said Harry.

"I don't think Harry is very polite," said Rose.

"Never mind. There are better things in the world than politeness. He
will be more reasonable by and by," said Harry's friend.

"So your brother has come," said Graeme. "How long is it since you have
seen him?"

"Oh! not for ten years. He was home once after he came out here, but I
was away at school, and did not see him. I remembered him quite well,
however. He is not spoiled by his wanderings, as my mother used to fear
he might be;" then he added, as Harry reappeared, "the fact is, Miss
Elliott, he expected to be asked to dinner. We must overlook his
ill-temper."

"By all means," said Graeme, laughing.

"Thank you," said Harry. "And I'll try to be patient."

"Well, shall we go now?" said Arthur, who had been waiting patiently
through it all. The others followed him and Will.

"Is your brother going to remain here?" asked Graeme. "That will be
nice for you."

"Yes, on some accounts it would be nice. But if they send Harry off to
fill his place at the West, I shall not like that, unless, indeed, they
send us both. And I am not sure I should like that long."

"Send Harry!" exclaimed Graeme.

"Nonsense, Graeme!" said Harry. "That is some of Charlie's stuff."

"I hope so; but we'll see," said Charlie. "Miss Elliott, I had a letter
from my mother to-day." The lad's eyes softened, as he turned them on
Graeme.

"Have you?" said Graeme, turning away from her own thoughts to interest
herself in his pleasure. "Is she quite well?"

"Yes, she is much better than she was, and, Miss Elliott, she sends her
love to you, and her best thanks."

"For what?" said Graeme, smiling.