er little
girl is of the opinion that 'his lordship' is the most delightful person
she has ever encountered."

"That was always the way with old Jack," said the doctor, smiling.
"There was never a man, woman, or child who had not something to say in
his praise. He was the most popular man in his class."

"I declare I can hardly wait till to-morrow to make his acquaintance,"
laughed Miss Warren. "Did you ever know any of his people, Charlie?"

"No, I never met any of them. I fancy his father was a rather eccentric
old gentleman, who did not encourage visitors. There was a sister he
used to talk about a good deal, but I never met her. I left college the
year before he did, and I have a vague recollection of having heard that
the sister made an unfortunate marriage, but I have forgotten the
circumstances."

"I hope that poor little Randall boy won't be any the worse for his
adventure of this afternoon," Mrs. Bell said, a little anxiously.

"Oh, no, I think not; we wrapped him up well coming home, and he seemed
as happy as possible. Indeed, I have an idea that he rather enjoyed the
whole adventure, for he is a true boy, after all."

"I like Mrs. Randall very much," remarked Miss Warren. "She is an
excellent teacher, and a thoroughly cultivated woman. I wish I knew more
of her history, and could do something to help her, for I am sure she
has had a hard time. Don't you know anything about her family, Charlie?"

"Nothing whatever. Betty once told me that their only relative is an
uncle in England, whom she has never seen."

"Lulu says Jack's grandfather was a general," said Mrs. Bell. "They are
certainly a most interesting family, and I wish we could manage to do
something for that poor Mrs. Randall. There is a tragedy of some kind
written plainly on her face."

CHAPTER XIV

JACK'S NEW FRIEND

"May I inquire what you are thinking of so intently, Miss Lulu?"

Lulu gave a little start, and glanced up from her seat on the piazza
steps, into Lord Carresford's kind, amused face. "His lordship,"
stretched comfortably in the hammock, with book and cigar, had been
regarding her in silence for several minutes.

"I was thinking," said Lulu slowly, "how differently things generally
happen from the way you expect them to."

"I thought it must be something rather absorbing," said "his lordship"
with a smile, "you looked so very serious. What has put that particular
thought into your head just now, I wonder."

"W