“Don't ask any questions. I'm the doctor and there's my prescription,” and she pointed to the half-frightened, half-sobbing Carry in the corner--“to be taken at once.” “Then Mrs. Tretherick has given her permission?” “Not much, if I know the sentiments of that lady,” replied Kate saucily. “Then how did you get away?” asked Prince gravely. “BY THE WINDOW.” When Mr. Prince had left Carry in the arms of her stepmother, he returned to the parlor. “Well?” demanded Kate. “She will stay--YOU will, I hope, also--to-night.” “As I shall not be eighteen, and my own mistress on the 20th, and as I haven't a sick stepmother, I won't.” “Then you will give me the pleasure of seeing you safely through the window again?” When Mr. Prince returned an hour later, he found Carry sitting on a low stool at Mrs. Starbottle's feet. Her head was in her stepmother's lap; and she had sobbed herself to sleep. Mrs. Starbottle put her finger to her lip. “I told you she would come. God bless you, Jack! and good-night.” The next morning Mrs. Tretherick, indignant, the Rev. Asa Crammer, principal, injured, and Mr. Joel Robinson, sen., complacently respectable, called upon Mr. Prince. There was a stormy meeting, ending in a demand for Carry. “We certainly cannot admit of this interference,” said Mrs. Tretherick, a fashionably dressed, indistinctive looking woman. “It is several days before the expiration of our agreement; and we do not feel, under the circumstances, justified in releasing Mrs. Starbottle from its conditions.” “Until the expiration of the school-term, we must consider Miss Tretherick as complying entirely with its rules and discipline,” imposed Dr. Crammer. “The whole proceeding is calculated to injure the prospects, and compromise the position, of Miss Tretherick in society,” suggested Mr. Robinson. In vain Mr. Prince urged the failing condition of Mrs. Starbottle, her absolute freedom from complicity with Carry's flight, the pardonable and natural instincts of the girl, and his own assurance that they were willing to abide by her decision. And then with a rising color in his cheek, a dangerous look in his eye, but a singular calmness in his speech, he added,--