g. I shall reserve a packet, of course, for you
and your friends, when we see you to-morrow night."

Just as Mr. Blyth spoke those words, the clock on the mantel-piece
struck the half hour after ten. Having his own private reasons for
continuing to preserve the appearance of perfect obedience to his
father's domestic regulations, Zack rose at once to say good night, in
order to insure being home before the house-door was bolted at eleven
o'clock. This time he did not forget Madonna's drawing; but, on
the contrary, showed such unusual carefulness in tying his
pocket-handkerchief over the frame to preserve it from injury as he
carried it through the streets, that she could not help--in the fearless
innocence of her heart--unreservedly betraying to him, both by look and
manner, how warmly she appreciated his anxiety for the safe preservation
of her gift. Never had the bright, kind young face been lovelier in its
artless happiness than it appeared at the moment when she was shaking
hands with Zack.

Just as Valentine was about to follow his guest out of the room, Mrs.
Blyth called him back, reminding him that he had a cold, and begging him
not to expose himself to the wintry night air by going down to the door.

"But the servants must be going to bed by this time; and somebody ought
to fasten the bolts," remonstrated Mr. Blyth.

"I'll go, sir," said Mrs. Peckover, rising with extraordinary alacrity.
"I'll see Master Zack out, and do up the door. Bless your heart! it's no
trouble to me. I'm always moving about at home from morning to night, to
prevent myself getting fatter. Don't say no, Mr. Blyth, unless you are
afraid of trusting an old gossip like me alone with your visitors."

The last words were intended as a sarcasm, and were whispered
into Valentine's ear. He understood the allusion to their private
conversation together easily enough; and felt that unless he let her
have her own way without further contest, he must risk offending an old
friend by implying a mistrust of her, which would be simply ridiculous,
under the circumstances in which they were placed. So, when his wife
nodded to him to take advantage of the offer just made, he accepted it
forthwith.

"Now, I'll stop his giving Mary a Hair Bracelet!" thought Mrs. Peckover,
as she bustled out after young Thorpe, and closed the room door behind
her.

"Wait a bit, young gentleman," she said, arresting his further progress
on the first landing. "Just leave o