"I stepped into the office and got your mail," he said genially. "Thank you," replied the lady, trying to smile. "It's from Ralph,"--handing it over for her sister to read. Both the ladies were in somber black; a ribbon or a brooch seemed out of place to them that day. Tabitha broke the seal of the letter, and retired to the light of the window to read it. The papers were spread on the table, and the pen was in Rachel's hand when a scream from Tabitha shattered the oppressive silence of the room. "Stop--stop--oh, stop!" she cried, rushing to her sister and snatching the pen from her fingers. "We don't have to--see--read!"--pointing to the postscript written in a round, boyish hand. Oh, I say, I've got a surprise for you. You think I've been fishing and loafing all summer, but I've been working for the hotels here the whole time. I've got a fine start on my money for college, and I've got a chance to work for my board all this year by helping Professor Heaton. I met him here this summer, and he's the right sort--every time. I've intended all along to help myself a bit when it came to the college racket, but I didn't mean to tell you until I knew I could do it. But it's a sure thing now. Bye-bye; I'll be home next Saturday. Your aff. nephew, Ralph. Rachel had read this aloud, but her voice ended in a sob instead of in the boy's name. Hazelton brushed the back of his hand across his eyes, and the lawyer looked intently out the window. For a moment there was a silence that could be felt, then Hazelton stepped to the table and fumbled noisily with the papers. "Ladies, I withdraw my offer," he announced. "I can't afford to buy this house--I can't possibly afford it--it's too expensive." And without another word he left the room, motioning the lawyer to follow. The sisters looked into each other's eyes and drew a long, sobbing breath. "Rachel, is it true?" "Oh, Tabitha! Let's--let's go out under the apple-trees and--just know that they are there!" And hand in hand they went. The End