y happy ovah having the stain removed
from his honah, and knowing that he would have his family and faw'tn
back; but there is an extremely sad feature to his case that is not yet
settled, so he must keep his head level until we work that out. Now
about that hoss you wanted to show me----" he turned to Leon.

Mother gave the signal, and we left the table. Father carried the
satchel to his chest, made room for it, locked it in and put the key in
his pocket. Then our men started to the barn to show the Arab-Kentucky
horse. Mr. Paget went to Shelley and took her in his arms exactly like
Peter did Sally before the parlour door that time when I got into
trouble, and he looked at mother and laughed as he said: "I hope you
will excuse me, but I've been having a very nawsty, anxious time, and I
cawn't conform to the rules for a few days, until I become accustomed
to the fawct that Shelley is not lost to me. It was beastly when I
reached Chicago, had back all my letters, and found she had gone home
ill. I've much suffering to recompense. I'll atone for a small
portion immediately."

He lifted Shelley right off the floor--that's how big and strong he
was--he hugged her tight, and kissed her forehead, cheeks, and eyes.

"When I've gone through the fahmality of asking your parents for you,
and they have said a gracious 'yes,' I'll put the fust one on your
lips," he said, setting her down carefully. "In the meantime, you be
fixing your mouth to say, 'yes,' also, when I propose to you, because
it's coming befowr you sleep."

Shelley was like a peach blossom. She reached up and touched his
cheek, while she looked at mother all smiling, and sparkling, as she
said: "You see!"

Mother smiled back.

"I do, indeed!" she answered.

Leon pulled Mr. Paget's sleeve.

"Aw quit lally-gaggin' and come see a real horse," he said.

Robert put his other arm around Leon, drew him to his side and hugged
him as if he were a girl. "I'm so glad Shelley has a lawge family," he
said. "Big families are jolly. I'm so proud of all the brothers I'm
going to have. I was the only boy at home."

"You haven't told us about your family," said mother.

"No," said Robert, "but I intend to. I have a family! One of the
finest on uth. We'll talk about them after this hoss is inspected."

He let Shelley go and walked away, his arm still around Leon. Shelley
ran to mother and both of them sobbed out loud.

"NOW YOU SEE HOW IT WAS!" she sa