"No, he remained behind to transact some business; and, Amy, if you are surprised to see me looking so elegant, as you say, you would be more surprised did you behold at this moment your--I mean Mr. Brooks." A shadow flitted across the girl's face, but it was succeeded a moment later by a bright smile, as she said: "Oh, I am so happy, I was never happier in my whole life." "And what makes you so happy?" The question was put abruptly. CHAPTER X. CONCLUSION. Amy suddenly appeared to realize--well, our readers can guess what. It appeared to cross her mind that she was betraying too great happiness, and was a little too free in betraying it. She hesitated and blushed, and after an instant of embarrassment Desmond said: "Oh, don't be afraid, tell me why you are so happy." "Everything makes me happy, and I shall continue to be happy unless--" Again the girl stopped short. "Go on," said Desmond. "Unless I am to be taken away from your mother." "Do you desire to remain with my mother?" "Yes." "Why?" "I love your mother." "You love my mother?" "Yes, I do." "And who else?" The question came in a pointed manner; Amy was a girl nearly sixteen. "My--I mean Mr. Brooks." "Who else?" The girl did not answer. "Come, Amy, who else do you love?" "You are real mean." "I am?" "Yes." "How?" "You know." "I do?" "Yes." "I don't want to be mean, but tell me who else you love?" "I won't." "You won't?" "No." There was bantering in the tones of both these young people at that moment. "Shall I tell you who I love?" "Yes." "I love my mother." "You can't help it." "I have learned to love Mr. Brooks, your--I mean--well, Mr. Brooks." In a tantalizing tone the girl asked: "Who else?" "Oh, you're real mean," said Desmond, imitating Amy's tone at the moment she had made the same remark to him. "I don't want to be mean." "You don't?" "No." "Will you keep my secret?" "Yes," came the eager answer. "Honor bright?" "Yes, honor bright." "You won't tell even my mother?" The girl did not answer. "Come, promise." "I promise." "I've met a girl I love, and I've made you my confidante, but don't tell my mother." Amy had turned desperately pale, and in a pettish, trembling tone, she said: "Yes, I will tell your mother." "You promised not to do so." "I don't care, I'll break my promise." "Oh, Amy, you are real mean." "I can't help it if I am." "You can't?" "No." "Why not?" "I am mad--real mad." "You are?" "Yes." "Why?" "Because you went and fell in love with a girl; it's ridiculous, anyway." "It is?" "Yes." "Why?" "You are only a boy." "I am?" "Yes." "What are you, pray? you are only a girl." "I know it." "I couldn't fall in love with a mere girl, could I?" "Yes, you could." Desmond laughed in a merry manner, and said: "Well, to tell the truth, I did fall in love with a mere girl. Do you want to hear about her?" "No." "You don't?" "No, I don't."