Stopping close beside the children, he grunted out a word or two to her, and she slung her basket to the ground. Taking up a double handful of the berries, he poured them into Zillah's lap, saying, "Pappoose!" The squaw restored her basket to its place and the two walked leisurely away; happily not in the direction of Fan and the boys. The little girls gazed at each other in blank astonishment; then burst out simultaneously, "Oh, weren't you frightened? I thought he was going to kill us!" "But wasn't it good in him to give us the berries?" "Yes; he meant them for baby; but mother doesn't let her have any, you know; so we mustn't give them to her." "No, but I'll call the children to get some.' "Yes, do." "Where did you get em?" queried Cyril, devouring his share with zest. "An Indian gave them to us." "An Indian? why that was like a friend and colation! I shan't be 'fraid of 'em any more." "I don't know," returned Ada with a wise shake of her head, "I'd rather not see 'em even with their berries." The little feast was just ended when they espied a gentleman passing along the road beyond the grove. He turned and came toward them. "Good-morning," he said, pleasantly. "These are Mr. Keith's children, I believe?" "Yes, sir," answered Zillah. "I'm glad to see you," shaking hands with them; "and I should like to make the acquaintance of your parents. Are they at home, in the house yonder?" "Mother is, sir; but I saw father go away a little while ago." "Do you think your mother could see me for a moment? My name is Lord." Cyril opened his eyes very wide; gazing up into the gentleman's face with an odd expression of mingled curiosity and astonishment. "I don't know, sir;" answered Zillah, "they're just cleaning the house and--Cyril, run and ask mother." Away flew the child, rushing into the room where Miss Stanhope and Mrs. Keith were overseeing the opening of boxes and the unpacking of the household gear. "Mother, mother," he cried breathlessly, "the Lord's out yonder and he wants to see you! Can he come in? shall I bring him?" "The Lord! what can the child mean?" cried Aunt Wealthy, in her astonishment and perplexity nearly dropping a large china bowl which she held in her hand. Mrs. Keith, too, looked bewildered for a moment, then a sudden light breaking over her face, "Yes, bring him in," she said, and turning to her aunt as the child sped on his errand, "It must be the minister, auntie; I remember now that Stuart told me his name was Lord." Mr. Lord, who was a very absent-minded man, came in apologizing for his "neglect in not calling sooner; he had been engaged with his sermon and the matter had slipped his mind." "I think you are blaming yourself undeservedly, sir," Mrs. Keith said, giving him her hand with a cordial smile, "we arrived in town only yesterday. Let me introduce you to my aunt, Miss Stanhope."