"Oh, no! not that; but I want to be doing something. I mean something almost more than I can do, not ever so much less. I like to feel as if I must use every bit of strength and courage I have, and then I always find more than I thought I had." Mr. Burroughs looked sharply at the young girl who made this ungirlish avowal. Was this utter simplicity? or was it an ingenious affectation? Was Dora Darling one of the noblest, or one of the most crafty, of womankind? Tom Burroughs was a man of the world and of society, and flattered himself that neither man nor woman had art deeper than his penetration; but as he rapidly scanned the broad brow, clear, level-glancing eyes, firm, sweet mouth, queenly head, and mien of innocent self-confidence, he asked himself again,-- "Is it the perfection of art, or can it be the perfection of nature?" But Karl was saying rather gloomily,-- "And what is to become of us, Dora?" "Kitty and you?" asked Dora, open-eyed. "Why, of course, you are to come too! Did you suppose I wanted to leave you? Of course, it is your home and mine, just as this house has been: we are all one family, you know." "To be sure. Well, I fancy there will be something for me to do on your Outpost farm. You must make me overseer." "No: you shall be confidential adviser; but I am going to oversee every thing myself, and you must go on with your medical studies." "You are going to become practical farmer, then?" asked Mr. Burroughs, raising his eyebrows never so slightly. "Yes, sir; not to really work with my own hands out of doors, you know, but to see to every thing. At first, I shan't understand much about it, I suppose; but I shall learn, and I shall be so happy!" "And how soon will you be ready to go?" asked Mr. Burroughs. Dora considered for a moment, "To-day is Thursday. I think we might start Monday morning; couldn't we, Karl?" "And meantime sell this place and furniture?" asked Mr. Windsor, smiling. "Not sell, but let the place. There is Jacob Minot would be glad to hire it, and a good tenant too. As for the furniture, we had better carry it with us. Shall we have to build a house when we get there, Mr. Burroughs?" "Yes. Col. Blank had selected a site, and made some little beginning: I believe nothing more than having the land cleared and a cellar dug, however. You will begin with a log-cabin; shall you not?" "Yes: I suppose so. Well, Karl, mightn't we start on Monday?" "Not in heavy marching order, I am afraid; but very soon, if you are quite determined." "Yes, quite; but what will Kitty think?" asked Dora suddenly. "Oh! I think she will like it. Here she comes, and we can ask her."