The sun had set. The bay seemed a vast sheet of fire, as the crimson clouds cast their shifting shadows on its bosom; and, forgetting everything else, Beulah leaned out of the buggy, and said almost unconsciously: "How beautiful! how very beautiful!" Her lips were parted; her eyes clear and sparkling with delight. Dr. Hartwell sighed, and, turning from the bay road, approached his home. Beulah longed to speak to him of what was pressing on her heart; but, glancing at his countenance to see whether it was an auspicious time, she was deterred by the somber sternness which overshadowed it, and before she could summon courage to speak, they stopped at the front gate. "Jump out, and go home; I have not time to drive in." She got out of the buggy, and, looking up at him as he rose to adjust some part of the harness, said bravely: "I am very much obliged to you for my ride. I have not had such a pleasure for years. I thank you very much." "All very unnecessary, child. I am glad you enjoyed it." He seated himself, and gathered up the reins, without looking at her. But she put her hand on the top of the wheel, and said in an apologetic tone: "Excuse me, sir; but may I wait in your study till you come home? I want to ask you something." Her face flushed, and her voice trembled with embarrassment. "It may be late before I come home to-night. Can't you tell me now what you want? I can wait." "Thank you, sir; to-morrow will do as well, I suppose. I will not detain you." She opened the gate and entered the yard. Dr. Hartwell looked after her an instant, and called out, as he drove on: "Do as you like, Beulah, about waiting for me. Of course the study is free to you at all times."