e few happier persons."

"Countenance is not a faithful index, then; you look so exceedingly grave."

"Do you suppose that gravity of face is incompatible with sunshine in the
heart?"

He smiled encouragingly as he spoke, and without a moment's thought she
laid her delicate hand in his.

"Mr. Young, I want somebody to advise me. Very often I am at a loss about
my duty, and, having no one to consult, either do nothing at all or that
which I should not. If it will not trouble you too much, I should like to
bring my difficulties to you sometimes, and get you to direct me. If you
will only talk frankly to me, as you do to Louisa, oh, I will be very
grateful!"

"Have you no brother?"

"I am an only child."

"You would like a brother, however?"

"Yes, sir, above all things."

"Take care; you express yourself strongly. If you can fancy me for a
brother, consider me such."

When Monday morning came, and she was obliged to return to school, Irene
reluctantly bade farewell to the new friends. She knew that, in conformity
to the unalterable regulations of Crim Tartary, she could only leave the
institution once a month, and the prospect of this long interval between
her visits was by no means cheering. Harvey assisted her into the carriage.

"I shall send some books in a day or two, and, if you are troubled about
anything before I see you again write me a note by Louisa. I would call to
see you occasionally if you were boarding anywhere else. Good morning, Miss
Irene. Do not forget that I am your brother so long as you stay in New
York, or need one."

The books were not forgotten; they arrived the ensuing week, and his
selection satisfied her that he perfectly understood what kind of aid she
required. At the close of the next month, instead of accompanying Louisa
home, Irene was suffering with severe cold, and too much indisposed to quit
the house. This was a grievous disappointment, but she bore it bravely, and
went on with her studies. What a dreary isolation in the midst of numbers
of her own age! It was a thraldom that galled her, and more than once she
implored her father's permission to return home. His replies were positive
denials, and after a time she ceased to expect release, until the
prescribed course should be ended. Thus another month dragged itself away.
On Friday morning Louisa was absent. Irene felt anxious and distressed.
Perhaps she was ill; something must have happened. As the day pupils were
dism