I received quite a shock a few days later when I found in my mail a letter from the Miss Tippses, telling me of their delight on learning of my recovery, and mentioning incidentally the fact, which they felt sure I would be glad to know, that they had settled all of their affairs in a manner entirely satisfactory to them, as Mr. McSheen had very generously come forward at a time when it was supposed that I was fatally injured and had offered to make reparation to them and pay out of his own pocket, not only all of the expenses which they had incurred about the matter, but had actually paid them three thousand dollars over and above these expenses, a munificent sum which had enabled them to pay dear Mrs. Kale all they owed her. They felt sure that I would approve of the settlement, because Mr. McSheen's intermediary had been "a life-long friend of mine and in some sort," he said, "my former law partner, as we had lived for years in adjoining offices." They had signed all the papers he had presented and were glad to know that he was entirely satisfied, and now they hoped that I would let them know what they owed me, in order that they might settle at least that part of their debt; but for the rest, they would always owe me a debt of undying gratitude, and they prayed God for my speedy recovery and unending happiness, and they felt sure Mr. Peck would rejoice also to know that I was doing so well. Peck! And he had charged them a fee for his services! It was now approaching the autumn and I was chafing to get back to work. I knew now that success was before me. It might be a long road; but I was on it. John Marvel, in reply to an inquiry, wrote that the place was still waiting for me in the office he had mentioned, though he did not state what it was. "How stupid he is!" I complained. Eleanor Leigh only laughed. She "did not think him stupid at all, and certainly she did not think I should do so. In fact, she considered him one of the most sensible men she ever knew." "Why, he could not have done more to keep me in ignorance, if he had tried," I fumed. And she only laughed the more. "I believe you are jealous of him." Her eyes were dancing in an exasperating way they had. I was consumed with jealousy of everybody; but I would never admit it. "Jealous of John Marvel! Nonsense! But I believe you were in--you liked him very much?" "I did," she nodded cheerily. "I do--more than any one I ever knew--almost." And she launched out in a eulogy of John which quite set me on fire. "Then why did you not marry him?" I was conscious that my head went up and my wrath was rising. "He never asked me." Her dancing eyes still playing hide and seek with mine.