ted pleasantly over the college town, and still no definite
step had been taken in the matter that had carried Anthony Fox over so
many weary miles of country. If business matters in the Eastern city
gave him any concern, he gave no sign of it to young Anthony or Sally,
seeming entirely content with the passing moment.

The three were constantly together, except when the boy was in the
class-room. During these intervals Miss Mix piloted her friend's father
over lovely Palo Alto; they visited museum and library together, took
drives and walks. One long evening was spent at the Peppers', where
young Anthony was the centre of a buzzing and hilarious group, and
where Sally, with her black evening gown and her violin, presented an
entirely new phase.

On the evening of a certain glorious day, to young Anthony, sitting in
silence on the porch steps, came Sally, who seated herself beside him.

"Tony," said she, firmly, "what have we decided about our engagement?"

Young Anthony eyed her expectantly, almost nervously, but he did not
speak.

"We must either announce it or NOT announce it, Tony!"

"Why, you see, Sally," said Anthony, after a pause, "I wanted to, a
while back, but--"

"I know you did," she said heartily, to his great relief.

"But now," he pursued slowly, "it would look pretty funny to the
Rogerses, and the Peppers, and all, you know. JUST now, I mean. I've
been up there all the time, right in things, and I've never said a
word--"

"Well, well!" said a voice behind them; and to the unspeakable
confusion of both, Jerry Billings rose from a porch chair and came down
to them.

"I couldn't help hearing," explained that gentleman, joyously. "I was
there first. I wish you joy, children. Miss Sally, here's my best
wishes! I never dreamed you two--and yet I knew SOMETHING had brought
father all the way from New York. But I never dreamed of this! This
ought to land me the Call job, all right! Hasn't that occurred to
either of you? Why, nobody has turned in anything to touch it!" He
looked at his watch. "I had better be getting down there, too," he said
excitedly. "Tomorrow's the first of May, by George! and I've got to get
any stuff in by ten. And there I've been sitting, cursing my luck for
an hour! Here goes!"

"Look here, Jerry," began Sally and Anthony together, "look here--"

"You mean you don't want it announced?" said Mr. Billings, blankly. A
pained look clouded the radiance of his face. "Isn't it TRU