“You’ll keep on with your lessons?” he asked. “After this year grandpa won’t be able to afford it.” “But it will never do for you to stop now. I was talking with the professor the other day about your art. He is interested in it. He wants to study English; maybe he would exchange--if you could teach him. Do you think you could?” “What! I a teacher?” She clasped her hands involuntarily. “But suppose he’d let me try?” “I’ll see if he will.” “Oh, will you, sure enough?” She was now seated closer by Glenn, listening with an absorbing interest. “When will I know?” “There is a lot of time between now and next September. You’ll finish out this year, of course.” “Oh, yes, except when the weather is too bad for grandpa. He’s getting old, you know.” Glenn could see how he was failing. It was about dusk when the buggy drove away from the front steps. The parting was cordial and yet it seemed to lack something for both. Perhaps grandpa’s being there complicated the situation. Whatever it was, in both their hearts there seemed something lacking. CHAPTER XII. THE coming of June brought an end to college life for Glenn Andrews. He had had a letter a few days before, deciding an important question--in fact, the question of the greatest importance to him just then. While he was waiting for Esther he read it over again: “New York City. “My dear Andrews--Of course I hadn’t forgotten my promise nor my interest in you. It seems a lifetime since I stood in those priestly looking robes on that old stage waiting to receive my discharge and hustle or go hungry. You were at the foot then. I remember you; a solemn-faced chap, but mightily in earnest. I am glad that you are at the head, and ready for the fight--the thick of it. I always knew that was the kind of metal you were made of, so it does me good to be able to give you a boost. You are to be associate editor of the magazine--give up most of your freedom and take an editor’s chair. “You may come right on. I wonder what you will be like after all these years since we cavorted over that campus. Yours fraternally, “Richmond Briarley.” What did Glenn care for slavery? His love for his profession would even up scores. Going among strangers had no depressing effect upon him. He was singularly fitted for that kind of thing. He believed that every soul should be alone a part of its existence, away from the sight, the touch of affection, and seek deeper self acquaintance and understanding. This was how he came to cultivate his passion to know and be something. Now he was going to try his hand--his life was to be full of interest and effort, and all the training he had given to his faculties were to be exercised and tested. Esther joined him presently to go for their last ramble. “You are to lead the way anywhere. I am with you to-day,” he said.