be otherwise? But no matter; the worst is past. And
now,' said he, 'I must be gone. I came here to tell you the story, and to
ask you to dine with us; and between you and me, perhaps you had better
come early in the day, and keep an eye over Martha; for the idea of a
dinner party has quite frightened her; and there are so many little things
to be done, which I know nothing about, and which you understand, and
without which we should have every thing helter-skelter, that you must
come, or I'll never forgive you.' Harry made this last menace with so
fierce an air, and his mouth pursed up in so ferocious a manner, although
his eyes were dancing with fun, that the lady consented at once.

'It's well for you that you did,' said Harson, rising and putting on his
hat; 'if you hadn't, I don't know what I should have done; but it would
have been something dreadful. I'm a terrible fellow when fairly roused.'
Then shaking the lady's hand, as if he intended to dislocate her
shoulders, he put his cane under his arm and went out.

'Ha! ha! old Jacob! you and I must have a tussle. Ha! ha!' exclaimed he,
still carrying his cane under his arm, and his hands under his coat tails,
'you must hear a little of what I think. A few words of wholesome advice
will do you no harm, and will rub off the rust that old age has fastened
upon you.'

With this hostile resolution upon his tongue, the old man made the best of
his way to Rhoneland's house. Jacob was there, dozing in his chair, with
his white locks hanging loosely over his shoulders; and Kate was sitting
at his side engaged in sewing. She was paler than usual; and there was a
nervous restlessness in her manner, which did not escape the quick glance
of Harson. He thought too that she seemed somewhat thinner than she was
wont to be. It might be mere suspicion, but still he thought so.

'It's too bad,' muttered he; 'but I'll set matters right, or my name's not
Harry Harson.'

There was something in the hearty greeting of the old fellow, as he took
her hands in his and called her his bright-eyed girl, so full of happiness
that it was impossible not to catch the same feeling as he spoke; and even
Jacob, as he felt the cordial grasp of his hand, assured himself, and
assumed something like a cheerful smile.

'Well, Kate,' said Harson, drawing a chair between her and her father;
'I've news for _you_; and for _you_ too, my old fellow,' said he, turning
to Rhoneland; 'we've used Rust up.'

Ja