g of his life."

Then she wondered why she should think of these things, "for he is
nothing to me," she tried to persuade herself; but the thoughts seemed
too deeply impressed upon her mind to be driven away, and clinging as
they did they made their influence felt.

Yes, she admitted to herself that Fred's society was much more agreeable
to her than that of any of the other boys--but why? Well, she began to
suspect the cause, and if you had been her trusted friend, the one to
whom she told her secrets--if she ever did so foolish a thing--she might
have said in confidence that--well, never mind what she would have said,
for being yet but a girl of sixteen she could only have called him a
_friend_.

"Good evening, Fred. I am very glad to see you," said Nellie, as she
opened the door and he stepped in.

"I am glad to hear you say so, and I am sure this is an unexpected
pleasure to me," replied Fred, taking her proffered hand, which he
retained longer than perhaps was really necessary.

"I hope, then, you will not find the call a stupid one."

"Oh, I have no fear of that."

"You must not be too sure, Fred, for father has just been summoned to
attend a patient, and mother has a caller, so you will have to put up
with my entertainment for a while," replied Nellie, showing him into the
library.

"That will be most agreeable to me," returned Fred, taking a seat not
far from his hostess.

"I shall try and not offend you, for you are such a stranger."

"Yes, it seems an age since I have seen you, Nellie," replied our young
friend in a way that convinced her he meant every word he said.

"Has it, really?"

"It has, indeed."

"I was afraid you had almost forgotten me."

"Oh, no; I could not do that easily."

"Well, Fred, I am sure the time could not have seemed longer to you than
it has to me," replied Nellie, after a pause, and dropping her eyes as
she realized the expression she had thrown into the remark.

Fred's heart beat quicker.

"Have you really missed me?" he asked, feeling happier than he had for
weeks.

"If you doubt what I say, how can I convince you?"

"No, no, I don't doubt you now, Nellie."

"Why do you say now? Have you ever doubted my word?"

"No, I did not mean that."

"I hope you will explain, so I shall not feel uncomfortable."

Fred hesitated, hardly knowing how to reply.

"Nellie, it seems like the old days to meet you again," he finally
answered, "and I shrink from thinking of