“It is indeed,” was the answer, as Mr. Ray glanced lovingly at his sister. Miss Ray was talking with Dollie and had not heard their words, but she came over and joined them before Marion could answer. “My poor sister Ada is heartbroken,” she said, sadly. “Just think! She has lost her lover, and all through me. I feel terribly about it, and yet I think she is lucky.” “She is indeed!” said her brother, promptly, “I can’t imagine a fellow being such a cad as to throw over a sweet girl just because of something unpleasant in the life of her sister.” He looked at Marion as he spoke, and as their eyes met she blushed charmingly. Such eloquent glances as Mr. Ray’s needed no interpreter of their meaning. “Oh! I despised him as soon as I read of it!” broke in Dollie, impulsively. “She is well rid of him, poor girl. I hope she will get over it quickly.” “If a brother’s love will help her to forget him, he will not be remembered long,” said Mr. Ray, nobly. Marion gave him a glance that set his blood to tingling. He was radiantly happy to see how well she understood him. The girls all wept as they said good-by, and even the young man’s eyes looked suspiciously moist as he took leave of the two sisters. Miss Ray slipped something into Dollie’s hand at the last. Dollie tried to remonstrate, but was checked emphatically. “A reminder of my gratitude to your sister,” Miss Ray whispered; “but for her I would still be living a life of disgrace and torture. She saved me. I can never forget it!” “Good-by, Miss Marlowe; Marion!” whispered Mr. Ray very gently. “You shall hear from us after, and some day I shall be back, then——” He pressed her hand in both his own, while Marion’s eyes fell beneath the glance that was so ardent and so tender. “Good-by, Marion. God bless you,” whispered Miss Ray, taking Marion in her arms. “Good-by, dear brave girl, and may the angels guard you. They ought to, my dear, for you are one of their number.” CHAPTER VI. MARION’S CLEVER TRICK. “Just see what she gave me!” said Dollie, after their guests had gone and the girls had wiped their eyes and recovered a little from the parting. She opened her hand and showed a fifty dollar bill. For a moment Marion’s face flushed, and she was annoyed and indignant. “You shouldn’t have taken it, Dollie,” she said, sharply. Dollie hurriedly repeated Miss Ray’s words when she offered it, and Marion’s flush of resentment faded in an instant. “The dear girl! It was lovely of her!” she said, very softly. “If that was the spirit of her offering, I accept it gratefully.” The girls ate their supper with saddened hearts. They were sorrowing for Miss Ray and her noble brother, as well as worrying over the fate which must soon overtake their own father and mother.