re with the boy that he had known and loved
in early days. Brian was so certain of this that he caught himself
listening for the door-bell, and rehearsing the sentences with which he
should excuse his conduct to his kind, old friend.

But two days passed away, and he watched in vain. No message, no
visitor, came to show him that Percival Heron had told the story.
Perhaps, however, he had written it in a letter. Brian silently
calculated the time that a letter and its answer would take. He found
that by post it was not possible to get a reply until an hour after the
time at which he was to start.

In those two days Dino had an interview with Mr. Brett, from which he
returned looking anxious and uneasy. He told Brian, however, nothing of
its import, and Brian did not choose to ask. The day and the hour of
Brian's departure came without further conversation between them on the
subject which was, perhaps, nearer than any other to their hearts. Dino
wanted to accompany his friend to the ship by which he was to sail: but
Brian steadily refused to let him do so. It was strange to see the
relation between these two. In spite of his youth, Dino usually inspired
a feeling of respect in the minds of other men: his peculiarly grave and
tranquil manner made him appear older and more experienced than he
really was. But with Brian, he fell naturally into the position of a
younger brother: he seemed to take a delight in leaning upon Brian's
judgment, and surrendering his own will. He had been brought up to
depend upon others in this way all through his life; but Brian saw
clearly enough that the habit was contrary to his native temperament,
and that, when once freed from the leading-strings in which he had
hitherto been kept, he would certainly prove himself a man of remarkably
strong and clear judgment. It was this conviction that caused Brian to
persist in his intention of going to South America: Dino would do better
when left to himself, than when leaning upon Brian, as his affection led
him to do.

"You will come back," said Dino, in a tone that admitted of no
contradiction. "I know you will come back."

"Dino mio, you will come to see me some day, perhaps," said Brian.
"Listen. I leave their future in your care. Do you understand? Make it
possible for them to be happy."

"I will do what is possible to bring you home again."

"Caro mio, that is not possible," said Brian. "Do not try. You see this
letter? Keep it until I have