ears for me?"

"Two years!" (blushing like a rose.) "Why, I hope it will not be two
days before you come and see us."

"Ah, you mock me."

"No; no. But suppose you should take the advice I gave you in my mad
letter?"

"There's no fear of that."

"Are you sure?" (with a glance at Jael.)

"Quite sure."

"Then--good-by. Please drive on."

She wouldn't answer his question; but her blushes and her radiant
satisfaction, and her modest but eloquent looks of love, fully
compensated her silence on that head, and the carriage left him standing
there, a figure of rapture.

Next day Dr. Amboyne rode up to the farm with a long envelope, and
waved it over his head in triumph. It contained a communication from the
Secretary of the Philanthropic Society. The committee were much struck
with Mr. Little's report, but feared that no manufacturer would act on
his suggestions. They were willing to advance L500 toward setting Mr.
Little himself up as a manufacturer, if he would bind himself to adopt
and carry out the improvements suggested in his report. The loan to bear
no interest, and the return of the capital to depend upon the success of
the scheme. Dr. Amboyne for the society, to have the right of inspecting
Mr. Little's books, if any doubt should arise on that head. An agreement
was inclosed, and this was more full, particular, and stringent in form
than the above, but the purport substantially the same.

Little could not believe his good fortune at first. But there was no
disbelieving it; the terms were so cold, precise, and business-like.

"Ah, doctor," said he, "you have made a man of me; for this is your
doing, I know."

"Of course I used my influence. I was stimulated by two spurs,
friendship and my hobby. Now shake hands over it, and no fine speeches,
but tell me when you can begin. 'My soul's in arms, and eager for the
fray.'"

"Begin? Why as soon as I get the money."

"That will come down directly, if I telegraph that you accept the terms.
Call in a witness, and sign the agreement."

Jael Dence was called in, and the agreement signed and witnessed, and
away went the doctor in high spirits, after making an appointment with
Henry in Hillsborough for the next day.

Henry and Jael Dence talked eagerly over his new prospects. But though
they were great friends, there was nothing to excite Grace's jealousy.
No sooner was Little proved to be Raby's nephew than Jael Dence, in her
humility, shrank back, and was inw