I am hoping daily to hear that you are ready to bring your aunt home. Has she ever told you the pretty story of her girlish day-dreams on these rocks, and how her barefooted brother resolved mentally that he would be a prosperous man some day, and give her a home right here? He was able to fulfill that boyish resolve, and somehow this cottage is to me very full of him. Many men would have forgotten in the rush of business to carry out such a plan, but not your father. I can imagine with just what refreshment his thoughts flew here from the clatter of the city. I am sure Miss Barry's come here every day, and I am sure she will be very happy when you decide to leave. I know you are not detaining her willingly, but in her place I should feel as she does about coming without you. Do you know that I want very much to see you? Here in the nest of your dear father's generous, loving thought, I am resting, and waiting for you to rest too. You'll feel nearer to him than in the crashing city. Come and try. Yours lovingly, MAUD PORTER. Miss Barry had brought this thick letter to her niece, and though her hands were busied with some work as she sat at a distance from her, she glanced furtively at the girl from time to time, striving to glean from her face some hope as to its effect. When Linda finished reading, she dropped the sheets and looked up so quickly that she caught her aunt's inquiring glance. Miss Barry flushed guiltily, and looked back at her work. "How soon do you think we could go to the Cape, Aunt Belinda?" In her excitement and eagerness Miss Barry's words stuck in her throat. "Why--ahem!--how about--how about to-morrow?" "Let us go to-morrow," said Linda. CHAPTER XI EASTWARD HO! Fred Whitcomb felt his eyes sting, but he scorned to wipe them as he strode manfully up Michigan Avenue. Instead, he scowled and set his teeth and threw his shoulders back, as one who yearns to meet the foe hand to hand. His opportunity was near, for Bertram King, having forgotten some papers, was walking hastily toward the club, and Fred, blinded and distrait, turned a corner and ran directly into him. The lighter and taller man seized his assailant. "Don't do that again, Freddy. It's a wonder I didn't go over like a tenpin." "I didn't see you," growled Freddy, winking hard. "I gathered that," remarked King, and was hurrying on, but Whitcomb held him. "Why weren't you at the station to see them off?" he demanded. "I thought of course you'd be there." "More room for you, Freddy," returned the other, looking steadily into his friend's belligerent eyes. "I don't see how you could neglect Linda at such a time." "Do you think she missed me?" asked King quietly. "Of course she did," hotly. "I found out only by accident by what train they were going. They didn't let anybody know, Miss Barry said; but of course you knew. I'd--I'd hardly know Linda."