NALLY CONDUCTED

So this was how it happened that the Dean's letter went forth to Gilead,
and produced the hour when Kit stood on the platform of the Union Station
in Chicago, looking around her to discover any one who might appear to be
seeking a small boy.

Gradually the long platform that led up to the concourse cleared. Kit went
leisurely on, following the porter who carried her suit-case. She was
looking for some one who might resemble either the Dean or Miss Daphne
from her mother's description of them.

"As I remember him," Mrs. Robbins had said, "the Dean was very tall,
rather sparely built, but broad-shouldered and always with his head up to
the wind. His hair was gray, worn rather long and curly at the ends, and
he had the old-fashioned Gladstone whiskers. Miss Daphne was like a
little bird, a gentle, plump, busy Jenny Wren, with bright brown eyes and
a little smile that never left her lips. I am sure you can't mistake them,
Kit, for in their way they are very distinctive."

Yet Kit was positive now that neither the Dean nor his sister had come to
meet her. She stood in the waiting-room quite unconscious of the attention
she attracted, for Kit would have been singled out from the multitude
anywhere by reason of what Jean called "her unique individuality."

She wore a dark tan serge traveling coat with a brown service cap to match
that set a bit rakishly on her red curls. There was about her an air of
buoyant and friendly self-possession, which always ingratiated her with
any casual acquaintances. Therefore it was no wonder that Mr. Bellamy
glanced at her several times with interest, even while his gaze sought
through the crowd for a young New England type of boy, bound for Delphi,
Wis.

But Kit noticed Mr. Bellamy. Noticed his alert anxiety as he walked up
and down, eyeing every newcomer. He was eighteen or nineteen, and
unmistakably looking for some one. Even while Kit watched him, she saw a
girl of about her own age hurry up to him. Her voice reached her plainly,
as she said:

"I've looked up and down that end, and I'm positive he isn't there. Oh,
but the Dean will lecture you, Rex, if you miss him."

At this identical moment, Rex's eyes met a pair of dancing, mischievous
ones, and Kit crossed over to where they stood.

"I do believe you must be looking for me," she said. "I'm Kit Robbins."

"Oh, but we were expecting your brother," exclaimed the other girl,
eagerly.

"I know, the whole family