“You are _blue_ to-night, and have been so for several days. What is the matter?” he asked, at the same time throwing his arms around my waist with his olden familiarity. Quickly remembering himself, however, he withdrew it, saying as he did so, “I beg your pardon, Miss Lee. I am so in the habit of taking such liberties, that I forgot myself!” and he moved off a little distance. I could have cried with vexation, for though it might have been improper, I was perfectly willing to sit there with his arm around me! It might have dispelled all idea of the “LEE SEMINARY” of which I was to be Principal! But he gave me no such opportunity, and folding his arms as if to keep them in their place, he continued, “But tell me, Miss Lee, what _is_ the matter. You do not seem yourself?” It was perfectly proper for me to tell him, I thought, and very deliberately I unfolded to him my plan of returning home within a week of Mrs. Lansing were willing, which I was sure she would be, as she had never been quite satisfied with my acquirements. When I had finished speaking, I turned towards him, not to see what effect my words had produced, for I had not the most remote idea that he would care. Great then was my surprise, when I saw the blank expression of his face, which looked darker than ever. Starting up, he walked two or three times rapidly across the little arbor, and then resuming his seat, said gently, “Have you been unhappy here, Miss Lee?” I could hardly repress my tears as I told him how much I liked the south land, and how I should hate to leave it. “Why then do you do so?” he asked; and I answered “I can do more good at home; nobody likes me here.” He came nearer to my side, as he said, “Nobody likes you! oh, Rose, there is _one_ at least who more than likes”—— It was the first time he had ever called me _Rose_, and it thrilled me with an indefinable emotion; but so impressed was I with the idea of his engagement with Ada, that I never dreamed of interpreting his words, as I now think he meant I should; and ere he could say more, I interrupted him with, “Yes—little Jessie loves me, I know, and when I think of her, I would fain stay.” Still nearer to me he came, as he said, “And think you Jessie is the only one who loves you?” If ever Mrs. Lansing’s belief that I was _non compos mentis_ was verified, it was then; for with the utmost stupidity I answered, “Why, no; _Halbert_ likes me, but both he and Jessie will forget me when I am gone, and learn to love another.”