going to lessons to-day," said Mrs. Grant, as, the doctor
gone, Oscar sauntered out into the passage.

"Yes, I am," was the curt reply.

"And bring me that torn jacket to mend."

"'Tis past mending," was the reply, and, shouldering his book bag, the
boy was gone.

"Do you think you could find your way down to the village, dearie, and
inquire for Mrs. Jackson?" said the housekeeper to Inna. "I've known her
from a girl, poor dear. Since she's married she's had losses, and now
'tis said she's lost all by the fire."

"I could find her by asking," returned Inna.

"True, dearie; you have a tongue in your head."

So a few minutes found Inna down in the heart of Cherton, asking for
Mrs. Jackson. She found her in a neat cottage, and helping the mistress
of the same to cook a monster dinner for two families. She looked pale
and sad, but brightened at Inna's kindly message, and the baskets of
comforts she told her Mrs. Grant sent with her and the doctor's
compliments.

"Thank you, dear; and my compliments in return; and my heart's best
thanks to that brave boy, your--your--what is he to you, miss? I suppose
he's something?" said Mrs. Jackson.

"Do you mean Oscar?"

"Yes--he who saved my boy at the risk of his own young life."

Inna's cheeks flushed, and sweet lights stole into her eyes.

"Do you mean----?" she faltered.

"I mean he rushed up the burning staircase, and brought down this little
chap," returned Mrs. Jackson, drawing a sunbeam of a boy of two to her
side, "when strong men hesitated and stood back. Didn't you know?"

"No; I know he burnt his arm."

"Burnt, miss! 'Twas a wonder he wasn't burnt to a cinder. Give him my
blessing--a mother's blessing--and tell him he ought to make a noble
man." This was Mrs. Jackson's message to Oscar as she stood at the door,
and watched the little girl away.

"Well, dear, that shows 'tisn't wise to condemn people before they're
tried," was Mrs. Grant's comment when Inna told her of Oscar's brave
deed.

Dr. Willett and Mr. Barlow would dine late, and would be away all day.
Oscar also failed to put in an appearance at dinner-time, so Inna dined
in solitary state in the great dining-room, and had a pleasant afternoon
in the orchard, where a man or two were gathering in apples. Still, she
wished she knew why Oscar did not come to dinner, and where he was, for
her heart was beginning to yearn already over the wilful, noble,
undisciplined boy. It had always been her dream