d Tom, "Not in a month or two, if I
can prevent it."

"I intend to be at home to-morrow, provided the steamers are still
running," said the young lady decidedly.

"O, now, you are too bad to treat us so shabbily," said Tom,
coaxingly, "do stay until the river freezes, and I'll take you down on
the ice."

"Thank you, Mr. Tinknor, I must go to-morrow."

Tom Tinknor, knew from past experience that to attempt further
persuasion was entirely useless, and he said no more, silently
indulging the hope that the ice would blockade the river before
morning. His desires were in part gratified. The next day it was
ascertained that no steamers would venture forth among the floating
ice cakes, and Tom was exultant.

In this mood he determined to give Little Wolf a surprise party, and
thus alleviate, in some degree her disappointment. His parents
heartily co-operated in his project, and the trio immediately set
about making preparations for the entertainment of a large circle of
friends.

It was decided that Edward should be initiated into the secret, and
the task of hoodwinking their prying and discontented young guest, was
assigned to him. By ways and means known only to a masterly hand,
Edward contrived on that eventful day to perform the feat, in which,
no doubt, the whole Tinknor family combined would have failed.

For when evening came on, and the company were assembled, Little Wolf
most unexpectedly found herself in the midst, an object of universal
interest. A more beautiful object could scarce have been found. At all
events, so thought Edward Sherman, as he mingled in the throng, great
billows of gladness surging in his soul. His cup of joy was large and
full. He was holding it with a firm hand, and he said in his heart, "I
shall never be moved."

The evening was drawing to a close, but the feasting and toasting was
still kept up. The wine went round, and the adventures of our heroine
continued to be commemorated in appropriate sentiments. While the
guests still lingered, a shade of anxiety might occasionally be traced
on many a fair face, as husband or brother, or "that other," exhibited
unmistakable signs of an overheated brain.

Little Wolfs cheek grew pale, as from time to time she observed the
rising flush on Edward's brow. He was exceedingly susceptible to the
use of stimulants, and was rapidly thrown into a highly exhilarated
condition, making him for a time brilliant, but finally entangling
his talk in a l