for one moment,
and he can't look cross for the rest of the evening."

Rose turned her laughing face to her brother.

"Be a good boy, Harry. Good bye."

As they returned, Will and Rose went on before, while Graeme lingered
with Arthur.

"Did you hear what Mr Millar said about the possibility of Harry's
being sent West? It must be to take the new partner's place, I
suppose," said Graeme, after a little.

"No; did he say so? It would be a capital good thing for Harry."

"Do you think so? He would have to leave home."

"Yes; that would be a pity, of course; but the opening for him would be
a very good one. I doubt whether there is much in it, however. Harry
has been for so short a time in the employment of the firm, and he is
very young for a place so responsible. Still, it may be. I know they
have great confidence in him."

There was a pause, and they walked slowly on.

"Arthur," said Graeme, in a low voice. "Do you think Harry is--quite
steady?"

"Steady," repeated Arthur in a surprised and shocked tone. "Why should
you doubt it?"

Graeme strove to speak quietly, but her hand trembled on her brother's
arm, and he knew it cost her an effort.

"I dare say there is no cause for doubt. Still, I thought I ought to
speak to you. You will know better than I; and you must not think that
I am unkind in speaking thus about Harry."

"You unkind! No; I should think two or three things before I thought
that. But tell me why you have any fears?"

"You know, Arthur, Harry has been very late in coming home, a good many
times lately; and sometimes he has not come at all. And once or twice--
more indeed--he has been excited, more than excited--and--"

Graeme could not go on.

"Still, Graeme, I do not think there is any real cause for apprehension.
He is young and full of spirit, and his society is sought after--too
much for his good, I dare say. But he has too much sense to give us any
real cause for uneasiness on that ground. Why, Graeme, in P street
Harry is thought much of for his sense and talent."

Graeme sighed. There came into her mind something that her father had
once said, about gallant ships being wrecked at last. But she did not
speak.

"Shall I speak to him, Graeme? What would you like me to do? I don't
think there is much to fear for him."

"Well, I will think so, too. No; don't speak to him yet. It was
hearing that he might be sent away, that made me speak to-night. I dare