MY DEAR RANALD: All the way home I was hoping that on my return, fresh
from the "stately homes of England," and from association with lords and
dukes and things, you would be here to receive your share of the luster
and aroma my presence would shed (that's a little mixed, I fear); but
with a most horrible indifference to your privileges you are away at the
earth's end, no one knows where. Father said you were to be home to-day,
so though you don't in the least deserve it, I am writing you a note of
forgiveness; and will you be sure to come to my special party to-morrow
night? I put it off till to-morrow solely on your account, and in spite
of Aunt Frank, and let me tell you that though I have seen such heaps of
nice men, and all properly dear and devoted, still I want to see you, so
you must come. Everything else will keep. Yours,

MAIMIE.

Over and over again he read the letter, till the fire in his eyes began
to gleam and his face became radiant with a tender glow.

"'Yours, Maimie,' eh? I wonder now what she means," he mused. "Seven
years and for my life I don't know yet, but to-morrow night--yes,
to-morrow night, I will know!" He placed the letter in its envelope and
put it carefully in his inside pocket. "Now for Kate, dear old girl, no
better anywhere." He opened his letter and read:

DEAR RANALD: What a lot of people will be delighted to see you back!
First, dear old Dr. Marshall, who is in despair over the Institute,
of which he declares only a melancholy ruin will be left if you do not
speedily return. Indeed, it is pretty bad. The boys are quite terrible,
and even my "angels" are becoming infected. Your special pet, Coley,
after reducing poor Mr. Locke to the verge of nervous prostration, has
"quit," and though I have sought him in his haunts, and used my very
choicest blandishments, he remains obdurate. To my remonstrances, he
finally deigned to reply: "Naw, they ain't none of 'em any good no more;
them ducks is too pious for me." I don't know whether you will consider
that a compliment or not. So the Institute and all its people will
welcome you with acclaims of delight and sighs of relief. And some one
else whom you adore, and who adores you, will rejoice to see you. I have
begged her from Maimie for a few precious days. But that's a secret, and
last of all and least of all, there is

Your friend,

KATE.

P. S.--Of course you will be at the party to-morrow night. Maimie looks
lovelier than