"Does _you_ credit, Doctor. I am only your custodian--a daring one, however, for I have a petition to submit. Will it not be imprudent for Mr. Read to remain long at table, after the cloth is removed? His system is still inflammatory." Her conscience reproved her for the deception, although she spoke the truth, but the case was desperate. The doctor's professional cap was on instantly. "Unquestionably, my child!--unquestionably! well thought of, Miss Ida! We must guard against a relapse. How shall we get him into the parlor?" Ida consulted Richard, who referred the case to Charley and returned her the reply, that if the ladies would delay their departure, a little longer than was customary,--not to startle those who loved to tarry at the wine, he would concert with most of the company to rise at the same time. Charley was at the helm, and Ida could safely have slept upon her watch. Mr. Read demurred at an infringement upon banquetting laws, but the seceders gallantly insisted upon attending their fair leaders; and the most disaffected had not courage to stand their ground. It was a weary, weary evening to Ida; she looked and felt wretchedly ill, after the guests dispersed. Richard looked in again, after saying "good night." "I have purchased a buggy to-day," said he, to Ida; "and my pet horse is in town. Shall I have the pleasure of driving you out in the morning?" She assented. "At what hour?" he asked. "I wonder what has happened, that Ashlin stayed away!" said Mr. Read. Richard started violently. "Ashlin!" he echoed with a fiery look at his sister. "Ashlin--Ashlin;" he repeated, sensible of his imprudence. "I have heard the name--who is he?" "An old friend of your sister's," replied Josephine. Richard's face was profoundly meditative. "A small man--is he not? red-haired, stoops in the shoulders, and wears spectacles?" Mr. Read spoke up indignantly. "A magnificent fellow! gentlemanly, intelligent, and one of the best hearts in the world." "I do not know him then!" said Richard, emphatically. "Now I think of it, the red head's name may have been Ash_ton_. Say eleven o'clock,"--to Ida--"it will be pleasantly warm then." "It will suit me," she rejoined, trembling before his gaze. He was punctual to the hour. Mr. Read hobbled to the door to admire his "turn-out." To him, Richard was lively and friendly as usual, but he refused his sister's invitation to come in, and his bow, as his horse sprang off at the loosened rein, was to him. They left the city by the shortest route. Beyond the houses, Richard slackened their headlong speed. "Miss Ross!" he said, abruptly facing her, "I have classed you among the limited number of your sex, who are upright and truthful. Within twelve hours past, I have doubted _you_. You are under no personal obligations to answer my questions;--but as a brother--for the honor of my family, I demand of you, all that you know of this Ashlin."