ke him presentable.

This was given, and they set off together, the doctor only giving Dexter
a friendly nod in accordance with a promise made not to upset the boy
with a number of hints as to how he was to behave.

"It must come by degrees, papa," Helen said; "and any advice given now
would only make him more conscious."

Dexter's hair still looked horribly short, but his face did not quite
resemble now that of a boy who had just risen from a sick-bed. He
looked brighter and more animated, and in nowise peculiar; but all the
same, in their short walk, Helen was conscious of the fact that they
were being observed by every one they passed, and that plenty of remarks
were made.

All at once she noticed that Dexter as she was speaking to him gave
quite a start, and following the direction of his eyes, she saw that he
was looking at a rough-looking boy, who was approaching them with a
fishing-rod over his shoulder, and a basket in his hand.

The boy's mouth widened into a grin as he passed, and Helen asked Dexter
if he knew him, the friendly look he had given speaking volumes of a new
difficulty likely to be in their way.

"I don't know whether I know him--or not," said Dexter. "I've spoken to
him."

"Where? At the schools!"

"No; he was fishing on the other side of the river that day I tumbled
in."

"Oh!" said Helen coldly. "Here we are."

She turned through a great iron gate, walked up a broad flight of steps,
and knocked.

"There, Dexter," she said, as the door was opened. "I hope you will
enjoy yourself."

"Ain't you going in with me!" he whispered excitedly, as a footman in a
blue and yellow livery opened the door.

"No; good-bye."

She nodded pleasantly, and went down the steps, leaving Dexter face to
face with the footman, who had become possessed of the news of the young
guest's quality from no less a personage than Master Edgar himself.

"Will you come in, please," he said, drawing back, and holding the door
open with an air that should have made him gain for wages--kicks.

Dexter said, "Yes, sir," as respectfully as if he were the workhouse
porter, and took off his cap and went in.

"This way, hif you please," said the supercilious gentleman. "You may
leave your cap here."

Dexter put down his cap, and followed the man to a door at the further
end of the hall.

"What name!" said the footman.

Dexter stared at him.

"What name shall I announce?" said the man again with chilling di