"That is the most encouraging thing I have heard yet. I have been wondering what my principal really did think, and to have that much praise is worth a great deal," said Linda gratefully. "Now don't let us talk shop. Tell me what is going on in town." "Don't you hear every bit of town news from Miss Ri? What she can't tell you Miss Parthy can." "I haven't seen much of Miss Parthy. The hobnobbing between those two generally goes on while I am at school. Have you met the mysterious stranger, Bertie?" "Yes, indeed, and he is quite an acquisition, or would be if he could find his trunk. Have you met him?" Linda smiled. "No, Miss Ri is afraid I shall fall in love with him, I think, and has stipulated that he is only to call at such hours as I am at school." "What nonsense. Is she making a recluse of you?" "Oh, no. Berk Matthews is allowed, or rather he comes without being allowed, being a favorite and liable to take his own way. Tell me more of the man without a trunk." "Sounds rather ghastly, doesn't it? Well, he is like almost any other nice young man, has good manners, speaks correctly, makes himself agreeable when the opportunity is afforded. It is rumored that his affairs are in better shape, and that money orders and checks and things have come in, so he is no longer a mere travelling photographer." "I wonder he stays here now that he has the means to get away." "Oh, but he came prepared to stay. At least his object was to look up this property. He has been up to the city once or twice and is still hoping to recover the trunk which he thinks must be in Baltimore still. In the meantime he is very reticent about his case, won't talk of it to anyone, so nobody seems to know exactly what he does claim." "The name is very familiar," remarked Linda thoughtfully. "I can't think where I have heard it." "There is some sort of romantic tale about him, Miss Parthy says. She seems to know more than anyone." "He can't be a duke or a prince in disguise," said Linda. "He might be, for he was educated abroad, I have heard." "Wyatt Jeffreys--Jeffreys--I can't get the name located. I suppose it will come to me sometime." The girls had a quiet chatty evening alone, and started upstairs betimes. To Bertie was given a room opening out of Linda's, and with many a good-night they at last settled down to sleep.