"Oh, I'm not objecting. Did my manners permit, I'd empty the plate. Still, I was under the impression that young ladies were not adepts in this sort of thing." "You have been abroad so long that you may have to revise many of your impressions. Of course retired army officers are naturally in a condition to import _chefs de cuisine_, but then we like to keep up the idea of republican simplicity." "Could you be so very kind as to induce your father to ask me to make one of your evening quartette as often as possible?" "The relevancy of that request is striking. Was it suggested by the flavor of the cakes? I sometimes forget to make them." "Their absence would not prevent my taste from being gratified if you will permit me to come. Here is a marked volume of Emerson's works. May I take it for a day or two?" She blushed slightly, hesitated perceptibly, and then said, "Yes." "Alford," broke in his aunt, "you students have the name of being great owls, but for an old woman of my regular habits it's getting late." "My daughter informs me," the major remarked to Graham in parting, "that we may be able to induce you to take a hand with us quite often. If you should ever become as old and crippled as I am you will know how to appreciate such kindness.'" "Indeed, sir, Miss St. John must testify that I asked to share your game as a privilege. I can scarcely remember to have passed so pleasant an evening." "Mrs. Mayburn, do try to keep him in this amiable frame of mind," cried the girl. "I think I shall need your aid," said that lady, with a smile. "Come, Alford, it is next to impossible to get you away." "Papa's unfortunate barometer will prove correct, I fear," said Miss St. John, following them out on the piazza, for a thin scud was already veiling the stars, and there was an ominous moan of the wind. "To-morrow will be a stormy day," remarked Mrs. Mayburn, who prided herself on her weather wisdom. "I'm sorry," Miss St. John continued, "for it will spoil our fairy world of blossoms, and I am still more sorry for papa's sake." "Should the day prove a long, dismal, rainy one," Graham ventured, "may I not come over and help entertain your father?" "Yes," said the girl, earnestly. "It cannot seem strange to you that time should often hang heavily on his hands, and I am grateful to any one who helps me to enliven his hours." Before Graham repassed under the apple-tree boughs he had fully decided to win at least Miss St. John's gratitude. CHAPTER III THE VERDICT OF A SAGE