He then repeated the conversation that had passed between her father and himself that morning, telling her how surprised he had been at the plan, and how, at first, he had hardly felt it right to adopt it, considering his rather doubtful position in life. Still, he had reasoned, if he could save Mr. Huntress from a dreaded journey in the dead of winter, and if his services were to be worth the generous sum he had named as his salary, he might feel justified in waving his own scruples and in accepting the great happiness offered him, though he never would have dreamed of proposing such a measure himself. “My Gladys,” he said, in conclusion, “it is very sudden, and there is only a short time, before I must go. Will you come with me, or must I go by myself?” There was a minute of silence, then Gladys raised her head, and laid her lips softly against her lover’s cheek. “Under such circumstances, you may be very sure that I shall not let you go alone,” she murmured, with a happy little laugh. His arms closed more fondly about her. He bent and kissed her lips, his face radiant with joy. “Oh! my darling, who would have believed eight or nine years ago that such happiness could fall to the lot of the poor boy whom you rescued from a mob in the street,” he said, in a tremulous tone. They discussed their anticipated trip fully and freely after this, laid out their route, and formed many a pleasant plan for the coming years. The whole family held a council that evening, and it was decided that preparations for the wedding should be entered upon immediately, and that the marriage should occur just previous to the sailing of the steamer on which the young couple would embark for Europe. Mr. and Mrs. Huntress found it somewhat trying to contemplate the loneliness which they knew would follow the departure of their children, but they believed that the arrangement would be for their interest and happiness, and they would not mar their joy by giving expression to any feeling of sorrow or regret. Geoffrey at once entered upon his duties, and with an enthusiasm and energy that promised well for the future; while Mrs. Huntress and Gladys busied themselves about the interesting mysteries of a wedding trousseau and preparations for the grand reception, that was to follow the marriage ceremony in Plymouth Church somewhere about the last of December or the first of January. * * * * * While all these events were transpiring in Brooklyn, Everet Mapleson was living in a state of depression and unrest in his beautiful home near Richmond. After his trip to that mining district in New Mexico, where he had visited the grave and former home of Annie Dale, he returned immediately to Vue de l’Eau, where he remained, appearing very little like the free and easy student who had been so full of life and hope at the conclusion of his college course.