You see I do not fear to speak as I
think, and such a course as you purpose pursuing seems to me both mean
and sinful. Running away--stealing out of your father's house like a
thief in the night; try to picture it fully, clearly to yourself, and
then let me hear your verdict once again. You talk of always having
longed for a sailor's life; you speak about the great attraction of the
sea. Well, that in itself is good; but why go forth to it in the way
you are contemplating? Have you ever spoken to your father on the
subject?"

"Never," replied Dick; "but my step-mother and sisters knew all about
it."

"And what was their verdict?"

"Laughter, and the information that I was too great a stupid to be a
sailor." The boy's tones were very bitter.

Miss Latimer scanned the honest, open face, and replied,--

"Well, Dick, we hardly know each other yet, and it may be you will
denounce me as an interfering old maid; but if I may proffer my advice,
I would say, Lay your heart bare before your father, tell him simply
what your desire is; and if after that he says 'Go,' then God's
blessing follow you, my dear boy."

She rose as she spoke, and crossing the room joined the group chatting
so pleasantly together, while Dick remained quietly in his seat. But
there sprang up in the boy's heart that night a pure, holy feeling of
respect, almost amounting to veneration, for all women who, like Miss
Latimer, kept their garments white and unsullied in this evil world,
and stood up so bravely in the cause of truth and right. He never
forgot the soft, tender voice or the warm pressure of the hand as she
reasoned with him; but thinking it all over in the still night-hush, he
determined to win her approbation, and carve out for himself a noble
life.

The evening passed by very rapidly for both Winnie and Dick, and at
length it was time to say good-bye.

Nellie and Miss Deborah, being still in ignorance as to the course
events had taken, wondered at the child's low sob when Miss Latimer
kissed her, and marvelled even more at her strange conduct in running
down the garden path immediately after, without pausing to bid one and
all her usual merry good-night. But the explanation was soon made; and
then Aunt Debby's indignation blazed forth, while Nellie listened in
simple amazement to the strange tale.

"The very idea, Judith!" gasped the good lady, shaking her head with
such vehemence that all the little curls in front danced and