is squadron into fire; and your
services--if properly represented, properly supported--would perhaps
meet recognition at the Horse Guards. What say you, would you serve
again if they offered you a cornetcy?"

"Would I?--would I bless the day that brought me the tidings? But the
question is not of _me_," said he, proudly; and he turned away to leave
the spot. Dunn followed him, and they walked out into the road together.
A handsome chariot, splendid in all its appointments, and drawn by two
powerful thoroughbreds, awaited the rich man's coming, and the footman
banged down the steps with ostentatious noise as he saw him approach.

"Let the carriage follow," said Dunn to the servant, and walked on at
Conway's side. "If it was not that I am in a position to be of service
to you, my observation would be a liberty," said Dunn; "but I have some
influence with persons in power--"

"I must stop you at once," said Conway, good-humoredly. "I belong to a
class which does not accept of favors except from personal friends; and
though I fully recognize your kind intentions towards me, remember we
are strangers to each other."

"I should wish to forget that," said Dunn, courteously.

"I should still be ungracious enough to bear it in mind. Come, come, Mr.
Dunn," said he, "this is not the topic I want you to be interested in.
If you can bring some hope and comfort into that little cottage yonder,
you will do a far greater kindness than by any service you can render
one like me."

"It would scarcely be advisable to do anything for a day or two?" said
Dunn, rather asking the question.

"Of course not. Meanwhile I'll write to my mother, and she shall herself
address Miss Kellett, or, if you think it better, she 'd come over
here."

"We 'll think over that. Come back with me to town and eat your dinner
with me, if you have no engagement."

"Not to-day,--excuse me to-day. I am low and out of sorts, and I feel as
if I 'd rather be alone."

"Will you let me see you to-morrow, or the day after?"

"The day after to-morrow be it. By that time I shall have heard from my
mother," said Conway. And they parted.

Long after Mr. Dunn's handsome equipage had driven away, Charles Conway
continued to linger about the neighborhood of the little cottage. The
shutters were closed, and no smoke issued from the chimney, and it
looked dreary and desolate. Again and again would he draw near the
little wicket and look into the garden. He would have