"If I might be permitted to suggest," replied Mr. Bradford, after due deliberation, "I should unhesitatingly recommend Mrs. Sarah Smithers, who did for your uncle during the entire period of his residence here and whose privilege it was to close his eyes in his last sleep. She is at present without prospect of a situation, and I believe would be very ready to accept a new position, especially so desirable a position as this, in your service." "Thank you. Could you--could you send her to me?" "I shall do so, most assuredly, providing she is willing to come, and should she chance not to be agreeably disposed toward so pleasing a project, it will be my happiness to endeavour to persuade her." Drawing out a memorandum book and a pencil, the old gentleman made an entry upon a fresh page. "The multitudinous duties in connection with the practice of my profession," he began--"there, my dear madam, it is already attended to, since it is placed quite out of my power to forget." "I am greatly obliged," said Dorothy. "And now," continued the visitor, "I must go. I fear I have already outstayed the limitation of a formal visit, such as the first should be, and it is not my desire to intrude upon an author's time. Moreover, my own duties, slight and unimportant as they are in comparison, must ultimately press upon my attention." "Come again," said Harlan, kindly, following him to the door. "It will be my great pleasure," rejoined the guest, "not only on your own account, but because your personality reminds me of that of my departed friend. You favour him considerably, more particularly in the eyes, if I may be permitted to allude to details. I think I told you, did I not, that he was my Colonel and I was privileged to serve under him in the war? My--oh, I walked, did I not? I remember that it was my intention to come in a carriage, as being more suitable to a formal visit, but Mr. Blake had other engagements for his vehicle. Dear sir and madam, I bid you good afternoon." So saying, he went downhill, briskly enough, yet stumbling where the way was rough. They watched him until the bobbing, bell-shaped crown of the ancient head-gear was completely out of sight. "What a dear old man!" said Dorothy. "He's lonely and we must have him come up often." "Do you think," asked Harlan, "that I look like Uncle Ebeneezer?" "Indeed you don't!" cried Dorothy, "and that reminds me. I want to take that picture down." "To burn it?" inquired Harlan, slyly. "No, I wouldn't burn it," answered Dorothy, somewhat spitefully, "but there's no law against putting it in the attic, is there?" "Not that I know of. Can we reach it from a chair?" Together they mounted one of the haircloth monuments, slipping, as Dorothy said, until it was like walking on ice. "Now then," said Harlan, gaily, "come on down, Uncle! You're about to be moved into the attic!"