se," she said.

"Something nicer?" said Charles Osmond, with a little mischievous
twinkle in his eyes.

"Safer," said Erica, laughing. "But stop, I hear my father."

She went out into the passage to meet him. Charles Osmond heard her
explaining his visit and the news he had brought, heard Raeburn's
brief responses; then, in a few moments, the two entered the room, a
picturesque looking couple, the clergyman thought; the tall, stately
man, with his broad forehead and overshadowing masses of auburn hair;
the little eager-faced, impetuous girl, so winsome in her unconventional
frankness.

The conversation became a trifle more ceremonious, though with Erica
perched on the arm of her father's chair, ready to squeeze his hand at
every word which pleased her, it could hardly become stiff. Raeburn had
just heard the report of Mr. Randolph's scheme, and had already taken
precautionary measures; but he was surprised and gratified that Charles
Osmond should have troubled to bring him word about it. The two men
talked on with the most perfect friendliness; and by and by, to Erica's
great delight, Charles Osmond expressed a wish to be present at the
meeting that night, and made inquiries as to the time and place.

"Oh, couldn't you stay to tea and go with us?" she exclaimed, forgetting
for the third time that he was a clergyman, and offering the ready
hospitality she would have offered to any one else.

"I should be delighted," he said, smiling, "if you can really put up
with one of the cloth."

Raeburn, amused at his daughter's spontaneous hospitality, and pleased
with the friendly acceptance it had met with, was quite ready to second
the invitation. Erica was delighted; she carried off the cat and
the toast into the next room, eager to tell her mother all about the
visitor.

"The most delightful man, mother, not a bit like a clergyman. I didn't
find out for ever so long what he was, and said all sorts of dreadful
things; but he didn't mind, and was not the least offended."

"When will you learn to be cautious, I wonder," said Mrs. Raeburn,
smiling. "You are a shocking little chatter-box."

And as Erica flitted busily about, arranging the tea table, her mother
watched her half musedly, half anxiously. She had always been remarkably
frank and outspoken, and there was something so transparently sincere
about her, that she seldom gave offense. But the mother could not help
wondering how it would be as she grew older and mi