“Father gave him a check for five hundred dollars.” “And the Captain's run away and won't pay. Those foreign fellows often do that. What an appropriate name Hornaby Hook is.” “He has paid. He sent father the money and said he was going back to England at once.” “So, ho! I understand now. My sister has been deserted, jilted, snubbed, and her Sawyer pride is hurt. If you'd written me that I'd be in Fernborough now, and so would Quincy and Alice. Florence, it was mean of you to send such a bloodcurdling telegram for so simple a thing.” “But that isn't all,” cried Florence. “When the check for five hundred dollars that father gave him came back it had been raised to five thousand, and father has lost all that money. Oh, it is all over, and I shall never see him again.” Another paroxysm of sobs, and a flood of tears. Maude's sisterly sympathy was, at last, aroused. “Don't take on so, Flossie. Perhaps he didn't do it after all.” “But father is so indignant. Think of his being paid back with his own money.” Maude could not help laughing. “That was rather nervy, I'll admit. But that very fact makes me think he's innocent.” She didn't really think so, but Florence was likely to go into hysterics and something must be done. “You know his address. You had better write to him and see what he has to say for himself.” “I can't. Father says if I have any further communication with him, directly, or indirectly, he'll disown me.” “Well, wait awhile. Father'll calm down in time. Cheer up, Flossie, dry your eyes, and do put some powder on your nose. It's as red as a beet.” * * * * * * * A little later in the season, Quincy and Alice started for their summer home at Nantucket, where they spent a pleasant two months, Quincy going up to Boston when needed at the State House. As autumn approached, and the time for the state election drew near, great influence was brought to bear on Quincy to make him rescind his decision, and run for governor a second time, but his mind was fully made up, and in spite of the urgings of the leaders of his own party, as well as those of the public at large, he remained firm in his resolve. Mr. Evans worked hard for the nomination, but his predilections were well known among the labouring classes, and he failed to receive the necessary votes. Benjamin Ropes, a man respected by all, was elected governor, and in January Quincy retired from public life, and settled down to what he thought would be a period of rest and quiet with his wife in the Mount Vernon Street home. About the middle of the month, however, a letter came from Aunt Ella. * * * * * * * “FERNBOROUGH HALL, “HEATHFIELD, SUSSEX.