was singing and improvising; she did it readily and charmingly, and
her hidden auditor was indeed charmed. She was singing to an absent one,
and she mingled the name of our hero in her song. It was a plea for the
absent one to return, and the sweetness of the melody was not more
entrancing than the verses. She appeared to be not only a singer but a
poetess, possessed of rare talent.

Desmond did not appear inclined to break the spell, but when he saw Amy
making preparations to depart he stepped from his place of concealment.
The girl uttered a cry; at the first glance she did not recognize the
farmer boy, transformed as he was into a gentleman in dress, but when
she caught sight of his face and heard his merry laugh and pleasant
salutation, she exclaimed:

"Oh, Desmond, I did not know you at first. How elegant you look!"

"Thank you; how is my mother?"

"She is well, but did not know you were coming home; neither did I."

"Well, no, I thought I would give you a surprise. It's all right, here I
am, this side up with care."

"Your mother will be delighted."

"And you?"

"I am giddy with delight, and I hope all is well with you and with my--"
The girl stopped short and said, "Mr. Brooks."

"Yes, when I left him he was all right."

"Did he come with you?"

"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are
surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more
surprised did you behold at this moment your--I mean Mr. Brooks."

A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment
later by a bright smile, as she said:

"Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life."

"And what makes you so happy?"

The question was put abruptly.

CHAPTER X.

CONCLUSION.

Amy suddenly appeared to realize--well, our readers can guess what. It
appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness,
and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed,
and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said:

"Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy."

"Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless--"
Again the girl stopped short.

"Go on," said Desmond.

"Unless I am to be taken away from your mother."

"Do you desire to remain with my mother?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I love your mother."

"You love my mother?"

"Yes, I do."

"And who else?"

The question came in a pointed manner; A