the past weeks when I could
hardly help doubting nearly every one's friendship."

"I am so sorry for you, and I hope you will forgive me for not being
more friendly," replied Nellie tenderly.

"I forgive you cheerfully, though I did feel hurt at the time."

"I saw that only too plainly by your letter, which brought me to my
senses; but it was unkind in me to do as I did."

"No, not exactly unkind, as nearly every one supposed me guilty."

"But I ought not to have been so hasty, for there are always two sides
to a question, and I did not wait to hear yours."

"You have not heard it yet, and still you overlook the charge made
against me."

"Of course I do."

"But it has never been explained away."

"Oh, that was not what troubled me, but--well, nothing ought to have
troubled me," answered Nellie, slightly confused.

"The intoxication she means," thought Fred, and the color rose to his
face.

Nellie observed this, and was sorry she had said what she did.

"As I wrote you, I could have explained it fully to you. I know what you
mean."

"I did not intend to refer to that unfortunate affair," said Nellie,
with sympathy.

"It pains me to think of it, but I shall be glad to have you understand
it."

"It was a great surprise to me, Fred, and being right here seemed awful,
but since receiving your letter I have suspected Matthew De Vere might
have had something to do with it."

"Have you thought so?"

"Yes; was I right?"

"Yes, Nellie, you were; but I did wrong in following him."

"Will you not tell me all about it?"

Fred went over the matter of his intoxication, and explained everything
truthfully, while Nellie listened with interest and astonishment.

XXXI.

Fred's story was a surprising revelation to Nellie Dutton, who now, for
the first time, saw Matthew De Vere's conduct in its true light.

"How could he be so mean?" she exclaimed.

"It was his revenge," replied Fred.

"Why did you not speak of his treachery?"

"I thought it best not to till I could get proof of it, for if I had he
would have denied it."

"He ought to have been punished."

"He will be in time, I think."

"I hope so; but that will not make up for all you have suffered. So he
was the means of your losing your position in the store?"

"Yes."

"I will never speak to him again!" said Nellie indignantly. "He is too
mean."

"I felt sure the time would come when you would say so," replied Fred.

The color came t