gs best that they like to do. I think the choice
of a business is your affair. Do what you can do best. But I'd make
shoes rather than do nothing."

"I don't know what I am fit for," said Rupert, evidently relieved,
"but--oh yes, I would _cobble_ shoes rather than do nothing. I don't
want to eat idle bread. Then I'll go."

"Your experience here, in London and on this journey, will not have
been lost to you," Dolly observed.

"It's been the best thing ever happened to me, this journey," said the
young man. "And you've done me more good, Miss Dolly, than anybody in
this world,--if it ain't my mother."

"I? I am very glad. I am sure you have done a great deal for me,
Rupert."

"You have put me upon thinking. And till a fellow begins to think, he
ain't much more good than a cabbage."

"When will you go, Rupert? I wish we were going too!"

"Well, I guess my old mother has sat lookin' for me long enough. I
guess I'll start pretty soon."

"Will you?" said Dolly. "But not before we have made our visit to Mrs.
Thayer's villa? We are going there next week."

"I'll start then, I guess."

"And not go with us to the Thayers'?"

"I guess not."

"Didn't they invite you?"

"Not a bit of it! Took good care not, I should say."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, Miss Dolly, Mrs. Thayer was standing two feet from me and asking
Mr. St. Leger, and she didn't look my way till she had got through and
was talking of something else; and then she looked as if I had been a
pane of glass and she was seeing something on the other side--as I
suppose she was."

Dolly was silent for a few minutes and then she said, "How I shall miss
you, Rupert!"--and tears were near, though she would not let them come.

And Rupert made no answer at all, but rowed the boat in.

Yes, Dolly knew she would miss him sadly. He had been her helper and
standby and agent and escort and friend, in many a place now, and on
many an occasion. He had done for her what there was no one else to do,
ever since that first evening when he had made his appearance at
Brierley and she had wished him away. So little do people recognise
their blessings often at first sight. Now,--Dolly pondered as she
climbed the cliff,--how would she get along without Rupert? How long
would her father even be content to abide with her mother and her in
their quiet way of living? she had seen symptoms of restlessness
already. What should she do if he became impatient? if he left them to
St.