“Quite sure. I never forget a face. Besides, your portrait, taken just before you went away, has been familiar to me from boyhood up; and you have not changed so much from that.” “But my father did not know me at all.” “His sight is very dim; besides, he was not prepared to expect you, as I was.” “Dr. Willet did not know me at first, though he recognized me afterwards.” “His vision is also somewhat impaired by age, though not so much as your father’s, and, besides, _he_ did not expect to see you, either, as I did.” “I wrote from Marseilles; but it seems my letter never came to hand.” “The foreign mails are notoriously irregular; so are the country mails; between them both your letter has been delayed or miscarried. But come, Lonny! Though I am devoured with curiosity, I will not ask you a single question, for you seem to be in urgent need of rest and refreshment,” said Ronald Bruce, turning toward the door. “Stay! Stay! If by refreshment you mean food, I do not require any. I got a substantial meal from a hospitable farmer on the Grey Rock Road. What I do need, as I explained to Dr. Willet, is a bath, a barber, and a fresh suit of clothes.” “You shall have them all as expeditiously as possible.” “Take me to your own room. You are at home here, I suppose.” “Yes; so are you; though the folks don’t know it as yet. But come with me, so that I can attend to your wants.” Lonny turned to follow his cousin. Just as they were about to pass into the hall Ronald saw his Aunt Margaret descend the stairs and pass into the little green study. He held Lonny back until she had disappeared. “That was our aunt. I did not want her to see you. No one must see you till you are dressed. Come now,” said Ronald as he led the way upstairs. Just as they passed into the lieutenant’s room a door on the opposite side opened and Mrs. Bruce came out and crossed the hall. “That was my mother. Now we are safe from observation at last,” said Ronald as he closed the door. These were the only risks they ran of discovery. As soon as they found themselves alone, Ronald turned to his cousin and said: “I know you do not wish to be seen by any one, not even by a servant, until you are transfigured and renewed.” “No, indeed,” replied Lonny earnestly. “All right; then I will lock the door and be your valet myself!” said Ronald as he went and turned the key in the door. “Now look in here, Lonny,” he continued, opening an inner door. “Here is a bathroom, with every possible convenience for the toilet. Go in there and make ready, while I lay out your clothes. I am a little larger than you, but I guess mine will do for the present. Stay, however, I have a thought!” “What is it?” inquired Lonny. “An inspiration, my dear fellow!” “Of what description?” “You shall hear anon.” And with these words Ronald unlocked the door and passed out, carefully closing it behind him.