Dr. Harrison must have a word of introduction to the reader, though he was one of those who need very little in actual life. He was a handsome man, young but not very young, and came up at his father's call and honoured the introduction to his father's guest, with that easy grace and address which besides being more or less born with a man, tell that much attrition with the world has been at work to take away all his outward roughnesses of nature. He was handsomely dressed too, though not at all in a way to challenge observation. His coat would have startled nobody in Pattaquasset, though it might have told another that its wearer had probably seen France, had probably seen England, and had in short lived much in that kind of society which recognizes the fact of many kinds of coats in the world. His greeting of Mr. Linden was both simple and graceful. "I am very happy to see you," he said as he shook hands. "I should certainly have come to see you before, but I am more a stranger in Pattaquasset than anybody. I have hardly been at home since I returned; business has drawn me to other quarters--and I am only fortunate enough to be in time for this occasion. It's a good time for me," said he looking round,--"I can renew my old acquaintance with everybody at once--I think all Pattaquasset is here." "Not grown out of your remembrance, has it?" said Mr. Linden. "How long have you been away?" "Well--it's had time to grow out of everything! especially out of my memory. I have not been here for five years--and then only for a few days--and before that at College; so I may say I have hardly been here since my boyhood. I don't know anybody but the old ones. I shall apply to you, if you will allow me," said he, drawing himself and Mr. Linden a little more apart from the centre of reception. "Who, for instance, is that very--well-dressed--young lady just entering the hall?--good-looking too." The doctor's face was very quiet--so were his words; but his eye was upon Miss Cecilia Deacon, who in a low-necked blue silk, with an amber necklace and jet bracelets, was paying her respects to the Judge and his daughter. With equal quietness Mr. Linden made answer. "By the way," said the doctor suddenly, "I believe we owe this pleasant occasion--very pleasant I think it is going to be--to you." "Accidentally and innocently, I assure you."