“Nor did we dream of the strange things to happen in the future. I often think, Frank, that I can never again be quite as happy as I was back there.” “I have thought the same, Inza.” “Oh, but you,” she said—“you have everything to make you happy!” “Have I?” “To be sure.” He longed to tell her then that there was one thing he did not possess—one thing that would make him happier than all else. The words rose to his lips. Had he spoken them a direct proposal must have followed. At that moment, however, one of the guests of the house looked into the parlor, which was sufficient to deter him for the time. Somehow, this repression of his feelings simply seemed to make them more intense, as is usually the case with every one. Now that he feared to speak out, he longed to do so most intensely. He inquired for Mr. Burrage. “I am truly worried about him,” Inza declared. “These spells of illness are becoming more frequent, and he feels that he may not live long. That is why he was seized by a sudden desire to see Fardale again.” “Perhaps it will do him good to visit your old home. I hope so.” “I hope so, too, Frank. If father should die——” She stopped with such an expression of pain on her face that all the sympathy and pity of his nature stirred. “Don’t worry, Inza; that will not happen for many years to come.” “We cannot be sure. I should be left alone in the world.” “Not alone, for your brother——” “Hush! He must go away again—must leave the country. If he were recognized and apprehended, the blow would be sure to completely undo father.” Her trouble and distress affected Frank and compelled him to say: “You know, Inza, that you may ever depend on me. If anything happens, I shall be ready to help and befriend you.” “I have no doubt of that, Frank. Somehow, I’ve been wishing you were going back to Fardale with us, if only for a single day.” His heart leaped at the thought. To be in Fardale with Inza once more! To visit the dear old spots with her! She was watching his face, and she suddenly exclaimed: “Why don’t you come, Frank? Can’t you? You can go along with us. Please come!” Her hand was on his arm, and they were alone again. He secured that hand and looked deep into her eyes. “Do you really wish me to come?” “Of course I do! It would be splendid! And I’m sure you could give father strength and courage to bear up and withstand the journey.” A struggle was taking place within his heart, for he knew that already he had remained away from college far longer than he should. He had obtained permission to leave for a time, but surely it had been anticipated that he would return before this. “Do come with us, Frank!” she urged. “If you wish, you may leave us as soon as we arrive there.” He could not resist such pleading. “I’ll do it, Inza!” he exclaimed. “I’ll go back to Fardale with you!”