u going?" said Winthrop starting up.

"Yes -- going; and going South, and going to be an engineer,
and if possible to reach the goal of honour on the back of
that calling, by some mysterious road which as yet I see not."

"Stay here to-night, Will."

"No, I can't -- I've got to see somebody."

"All night?"

"Why, no," said Rufus smiling. "I suppose I could come back;
more especially as I am going bona fide away. By the way,
Winthrop, do you know they say the yellow fever is here?"

"I know they say so."

"What will you do?"

"Nothing."

"I mean, of course, if the report is true."

"So I mean."

"But you will not stay here?"

"I think I will."

"But it would be much better to go out of town."

"If I think so, I'll go."

"I'll make you think so," said Rufus putting on his hat, -- "or
else I won't go engineering! I'll be back in an hour."

CHAPTER VIII.

Yea, men may wonder, while they scan
A living, thinking, feeling man,
In such a rest his heart to keep;
But angels say, -- and through the word
I ween their blessed smile is heard, --
"He giveth his beloved sleep!"
ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING.

Notwithstanding however Rufus's assurance, he did go off to
his engineering and he did not succeed in changing his
brother's mind. Winthrop abode in his place, to meet whatever
the summer had in store for him.

It brought the city's old plague, though not with such fearful
presence as in years past. Still the name and the dread of it
were abroad, and enough of its power to justify them. Many
that could, ran away from the city; and business, if it was
not absolutely checked, moved sluggishly. There was much less
than usual done.

There was little in Winthrop's line, certainly. Yet in the
days of vacant courts and laid-by court business, the tenant
of Mr. Inchbald's attic went out and came in as often as
formerly. What he did with his time was best known to himself.

"I wonder how he does, now, all alone," said Mrs. Nettley to
her brother.

"I've a notion he isn't so much of the time alone," said Mr.
Inchbald. "He's not at home any more than he used to be, nor
so much. I hear him going up or down the stairs -- night and
day."

"Surely there are no courts now?" said Mrs. Nettley.

"Never are in August -- and especially not now, of course."

"I'm afraid he's lonesome, poor fellow!"

"Never saw a fellow look less like it," said Mr. Inchbald.
"He's a strong man, he is, in his heart and mind.