straight home, so in a very-short time they were set
down at the steps.

"Go right in," he said. "I'll take the horse back, and be with you
shortly."

The housekeeper met them in the hall, took wraps and hats, and directed
them upstairs where the "gentleman" was waiting. Lucy had had no
opportunity to tell Chester the secret about herself, so she would have
to let his father do so. They walked quietly to the father's room and
opened the door softly. He appeared to be sleeping in his chair, so they
tip-toed into another room.

"Is he better?" asked Chester.

"Nearly well again." They did not seat themselves, but stood by the
table. She came close to him, smiling up into his face and said,
"_Everything's_ all right, Chester."

"Yes, of course," he replied. "You are looking so rosy and well, I
forget you are an invalid."

"Don't think of it. I'm going to live a long, long time, Chester--with
you. Listen, dear, and don't look so worried. Things have changed again.
I don't need to break good news gently, so I may tell you now, papa--I
mean, your father, has been telling me something I never dreamed
of--Chester, listen. I'm not your father's child--only by
adoption--you're not my brother, only of course in the brotherhood of
the faith."

"Lucy, what are you saying?"

"I am telling you the truth--as I was told it. He adopted me as a
baby--I was an orphan--I am not your sister. Chester--I--"

He seized her hands, and held her at arms length, while his eyes seemed
to devour her. She could not repress the tears, and when he saw them, he
drew her close and kissed her.

"Lucy, not my sister, but my sweetheart again, my little wife to
be--what--does it all mean?"

There came a loud knock at the door, and the father entered without
being bidden. He walked firmly up to them, placed a hand on each
shoulder, and said:

"My son, I have to ask your forgiveness again. I intended to tell you
about Lucy as soon as you learned the truth about yourself, but I was
hindered. Don't think, my boy, that I would purposely cause you
suffering. What Lucy has told you is true, and I am so glad that the
misunderstanding and the mixups no longer exist between us."

The three now found seats and talked over the new situation in which
they found themselves, not forgetting the part Uncle Gilbert had taken
in recent events, until the strenuous voice of Captain Brown had to
supplement the housekeeper's bell, before the three would come down