nds incredulous as to his having actually been upon the stage. Later
in the day he gave his promise that he would go with the company when
they left Harrisburg, but would not sign an engagement for any definite
time, as he did not wish to put any obstacle in the way of his following
any clew that might lead to the discovery of Harding.

"Well, Mr. Barton," said Mrs. Stubbs after supper, "did you find
anything of value in that box of papers?"

"Yes; I obtained some information that will probably be of value.
Besides it gave me a clew to his present residence."

"Indeed," said Angelica, who was present, "where is he?"

"In Peoria, Illinois. He has a married sister living there."

"Shall you go out West to find him?"

"I expect to go with the company. They will play an engagement in
Peoria."

"If you see Mr. Harding, please remember me to him. Say--that is, you
may hint that I still think of him with interest, and--and hope he will
some day return to us."

"That message ought to bring him, Miss Angelica."

"Of course I only think of him as a friend, but we were very congenial,
and it is not often that one meets a congenial spirit."

"Why not send a letter to Mr. Harding by me?"

"I--that is; mamma, do you think it would be proper?" asked Angelica
with bashful hesitation.

"I don't know why not," answered Mrs. Stubbs promptly. "You might ask in
the letter when it will be convenient for him to pay his board bill."

"Oh, ma, how unromantic!"

"It may not be romantic, Angelica, but it's business," said the
practical mother.

Miss Stubbs did write the letter, but it is certain she did not mention
the board bill in it.

CHAPTER XXXI.

SQUIRE MARLOWE IS SURPRISED.

It may be well to return to Lakeville, as something has occurred there
which deserves to be recorded.

It is needless to say that Mrs. Barton missed Bert, whose bright and
cheerful presence had filled the little house with comfort and
gladdened his mother's heart. Still she knew that he was well, and
heard from him every week, though Bert only detailed his experiences in
general terms, not caring to raise expectations which perhaps might
prove illusive.

Bert's absence from Lakeville excited some surprise and speculation.
Squire Marlowe, to whom it had been mentioned by Percy, stopped Mrs.
Barton in the street one day, and said: "Percy tells me that your son is
away."

"Yes."

"Where is he?"

"He went to New York."

"Is he at w