rs grew eager in discussing quite other things. It was growing
dark, and Philip decided that it would be better to leave the boat and
walk home. Then something was said about future sails, and then Philip
told them of a friend of his who was going to be one of a party who were
to explore the country far west. He was going to try and persuade his
father to let him join it. It was an exploring company, but a good many
were to join it for the sake of the hunting and fishing, and the
adventures that might fall in their way. They were to be away for
months, perhaps for the whole summer, and a great deal of enjoyment was
anticipated. Jem listened intently.

"That would just suit me, mamma," said he, with a sigh.

"I dare say it would be pleasant for a while," said she, smiling.

"It would hardly suit you to lose a summer out of your life, Jem," said
David, sharply.

Jem whistled.

"You are there! are you, David? No, that wouldn't suit me, exactly."

"Lose a year out of his life! What can you mean?" said Mr Philip, in
astonishment.

"What would come out of such a summer, except just the pleasure of it?"
said David.

"Well! there would be a great deal of pleasure. What else would you
have?"

David made no answer.

"Davie means that there is something besides one's pleasure to be
considered in this world," said Frank.

"David means that Jem can find pleasure and profit without going so far
for them," said Mrs Inglis.

"David is a young prig," said Mr Philip to himself, and as they were
going home he said it to his brother in decided terms.

"That's your idea of it, is it?" said Frank. "You know just about as
much of Davie and Aunt Mary, and that sort of people, as I know about
the Emperor of China. I know there _is_ such a person, and that is all
I do know."

Philip laughed.

"It is never too late to learn, and if they have no objection, I mean to
know them better."

"They are not your kind of people," said Frank, decidedly.

"You mean they are very good and religious and all. I am not a heathen
or a Turk, Frank, my boy."

"I could never make you understand the difference," said Frank, gravely.

"Never make you understand!" said Philip, mimicking his voice and
manner. "I think I can understand them pretty well without your help.
Don't trouble yourself. They are just like other people. It is true
that Mrs Inglis looks just as much of a lady in her plain gown and in
that shabby room as she