“Ah! but I suspect that the Lady of Edengarden knows what she is talking about. Besides, how should Commodore Bruce be able to tell whether he has ever known her before? Hardly any one knows who she was, or where she came from. For my part, I believe she _has_ the power and influence which she claims,” said Em., speaking with confidence, although she did not feel at liberty to speak with explicitness. “Very well, my dearest, I pin my faith on Mrs. Lynn and on your superior knowledge of that lady, only devoutly praying that my faith, as well as yours, may be justified,” said Ronald Bruce. What more he might have said on the same subject does not appear, because the abrupt entrance of the little page stopped the conversation. “If you please, sir, Dr. Willet bid me say to you, with his compliments, that he is ready to go,” said the boy. “Very well! Tell Dr. Willet I will join him in a minute,” replied the young man. The boy withdrew to carry his message. When they were once more alone Em. said: “Dear Ronald, do not keep the good doctor waiting.” “I will not, darling, especially as I owe to him the introduction that enables me to visit you here; for now that an _entrée_ has been effected, I shall come often, Em., unless my excellent father-in-law-elect should take it into his conscientious head to forbid me! Well, good-by, my precious!” he said, stooping to kiss her. “Stop,” she said, deftly evading the caress. “I am going out with you to see Dr. Willet. I want to ask him how my dear old Aunty Whitlock is!” “Oh, Em., was ever a girl so blessed or burdened with relations as you are?” “Blessed—not burdened,” said Em. as they left the parlor and walked on together to the little white saloon. “Oh, Dr. Willet, I am so glad to see you to-day. Have you been to the Wilderness this morning?” inquired Em. as she shook hands with the good physician. “Yes, my child; and I left them all well, with the exception of Mrs. Whitlock, who is no better,” replied the doctor as he arose to take leave. “You are going out, dear madam?” inquired Em. as she saw Mrs. Lynn standing beside the door, dressed for her visit. “Yes, my love. The doctor’s call this morning is very opportune, since it affords me the privilege of his escort to The Breezes,” said Mrs. Lynn with a bow to the physician. Em. exchanged an intelligent glance with her lover; but that was all they could do, for the doctor advanced and shook hands with her again, this time bidding her good-by. “But who is to bring you home again, madam?” anxiously inquired Em. of her benefactress. “_I_ shall have that honor, so I will not say good-by, but _au revoir_,” Ronald Bruce hastened to add as he seized and pressed her hand. The lady and her escort then left the house and walked down to the boat.