The voice was so sweet, so kind, so sisterly, that it went straight to the bottom of the lad's heart. He looked up at her, with that expression in his eyes which one sees in the eyes of a faithful, devoted dog then bent and kissed the sleeve of her dress. All the tenderness of Stella's nature welled up at the simple act, and with a little murmur she bent down and put her lips to his forehead. His face flushed and he shrank back. "Don't!" he said, in a strained voice. "I am not worthy!" For answer she stooped again and kissed him. He did not shrink this time, but took her hand and held it with a convulsive grasp, and something trembled on his lip, when he started and stared toward the window. Stella turned her head quickly and stared also, for there, standing with his face turned toward them, with his eyes fixed on them, stood Jasper Adelstone. She rose, but he came forward with his finger on his lip. "He is asleep," he said, glancing at the chair, and he held out his hand. Stella took it; it was hot and dry. "I ought to apologize for coming in so late," he said in a cautious voice; "but I was passing, and the music proved too great a temptation. Will you forgive me?" "Certainly," said Stella. "We are very glad to see you. This is my Cousin Frank," she added. The small eyes that had been fixed on her face turned to the boy's, and a strange look came into them for a second, then, in his usual tone, he said: "Indeed! home for a holiday, I suppose? How do you do?" and he held out his hand. Frank came out of the shadow and took it, and Jasper held his hand and looked at him with a strange smile. "You have not introduced me," he said to Stella. Stella smiled. "This is Mr. Adelstone, a friend of uncle's," she said. Jasper Adelstone looked at her. "Will you not say a friend of yours also?" he asked, gently. Stella laughed. "I beg your pardon; yes, if I may. I'll say a friend of ours." "And yours too, I hope," said Jasper Adelstone to Frank. "Yes, thank you," answered the boy; but there was a strange, ill-concealed shyness and reluctance in his manner. Stella drew a chair forward. "Won't you sit down?" she asked. He sat down. "I am afraid I have interrupted you," he said. "Will you go on--do, please?" Stella glanced at her uncle. "I am afraid I should wake him," she said. He looked disappointed. "Some other time," said Stella. "Thanks," he said. "Uncle is very tired to-night; he has just come from London." "Indeed!" said Jasper, with well-feigned surprise. "I have been to London also. That reminds me, I have ventured to bring some music for you--for your uncle!" and he drew a book from his pocket. Stella took it, and uttered a little exclamation of pleasure. It was a volume of Italian songs; some of them familiar to her, all of them good. "How nice, how thoughtful of you!" she said. "Some of them are old favorites of mine. Uncle will be so pleased. Thank you very much." He put his hand to his mouth.