pper. I am glad, for I should starve on Ada's New England menus. I
feel better, now that I have consulted, although, when I really consider
the matter, I can't see that I have arrived at any very definite issue.
But I have consulted, and, above all things, with Ned Temple! I was
walking down the street, and I reached his newspaper building. It is a
funny little affair; looks like a toy house. It is all given up to the
mighty affairs of the Eastridge Banner. In front there is a piazza, and
on this piazza sat Ned Temple. Changed? Well, yes, poor fellow! He is
thin. I am so glad he is thin instead of fat; thinness is not nearly
so disillusioning. His hair is iron-gray, but he is, after all,
distinguished-looking, and his manners are entirely sophisticated. He
shows at a glance, at a word, that he is a brilliant man, although he is
stranded upon such a petty little editorial island. And--and he saw ME
as I am. He did not change color. He is too self-poised; besides, he is
too honorable. But he saw ME. He rose immediately and came to speak to
me. He shook hands. He looked at my face under my pink-lined hat. He saw
it as it was; but bless him! that stupid wife of his holds him fast with
his own honor. Ned Temple is a good man. Sometimes I wonder if it would
not have been better if he, instead of Lyman--Well, that is idiotic.

He said he had to go to the post-office, and then it was time for him
to go home to supper (to the cake and sauce, I suppose), and with
my permission he would walk with me. So he did. I don't know how
it happened that I consulted with him. I think he spoke of Peggy's
engagement, and that led up to it. But I could speak to him, because I
knew that he, seeing me as I really am, would view the matter seriously.
I told him about the miserable affair, and he said that I had done
exactly right. I can't remember that he offered any actual solution, but
it was something to be told that I had done exactly right. And then he
spoke of his wife, and in such a faithful fashion, and so lovingly
of his two commonplace little girls. Ned Temple is as good as he is
brilliant. It is really rather astonishing that such a brilliant man can
be so good. He told me that I had not changed at all, but all the time
that look of faithfulness for his wife never left his handsome face,
bless him! I believe I am nearer loving him for his love for another
woman than I ever was to loving him for himself.

And then the inconceivable happ