He found the little Italian girl, Vennie, in the hall below. With the impetuosity of her age and nation she rushed to him, threw herself into his arms, calling him by the most extravagant pet names that her hyperbolical language afforded. He responded to all her enthusiastic caresses, and then allowed her to lead him into an old-fashioned, oak-paneled front parlor that looked out upon the garden of the old manor-house, and beyond that upon the section of the wooded vale with its wall of mountains and its far down glimpse of the river. Here he found the breakfast table neatly set and Em. herself flitting from cupboard to kitchen, back and forth, putting finishing touches to its arrangement. She paused suddenly in her work to greet him as he entered. He noticed the lovely flush and the timid smile that lighted up her face as she offered her hand and her low-toned “good-morning.” He took the delicate hand and raised it to his lips, while her eyes dropped and her color deepened under the eloquent gaze he fixed on her face. But before he could speak a word John entered with boisterous cordiality and greeted his guest. Since coming to the country and entering upon a happier and more prosperous manner of life, John’s nature had risen out of its subdued sadness into something very like hilariousness. Susan soon followed him; breakfast was brought in, and the four sat down to the table. Old Monica waited on them. “I hope the old commodore won’t be up early enough this morning to inquire after you and grow anxious before you get home,” said blunt John. “Oh, no, my uncle rises very late. It is a habit he has grown into since his retirement from the navy,” smilingly replied the young man. “You didn’t tell me whether there was any one else at The Breezes to keep the old gentleman company,” said Palmer. “Oh, a house full. My mother is there, and his sister, and her daughter, and two lady friends,” said Ronald Bruce. “A nice party for a country house, I should say. But, dear me, five ladies and only one young gentleman to take care of them! You must have your hands quite full, sir,” exclaimed John in comic dismay. “Oh. not at all! My uncle relieves me—plays whist, reads, drives and tells stories. I assure you, he is the more popular of the two of us,” laughed Ronald, as they rose from the table. “Well, Lieutenant, whenever you are disposed, by way of a little change, to leave high life and ladies’ society for a plain man’s company and table, we shall all be very glad and grateful to have you here,” heartily declared John. “Thanks, very much. Now, however, I shall have to bid you a happy good-morning,” replied Ronald. “Stay. I will order your horse,” exclaimed Palmer, hurrying from the room. Susan had already left it temporarily to see to some household affairs. The young lovers were alone. “Oh, my little fairy of the forest, when shall I see you again?” he breathed in a low sigh, as he took her hand and looked into her face.