What had become of all my sweet charity-blossoms, that unfolded such a little time ago, when Sophie was reading to me? Surely the time of withering had not come so soon? An untimely frost must have withered them all, for I answered,-- "You are dogmatical." "No, I am not. I only see farther on than you." "A pleasant way to say, 'You're blind.'" "And if it is true?" "To say it to one's self, I suppose, is the better way; for others certainly will of you." "A sensible conclusion. Who taught you it?" "You, perhaps." "Did I? Then my life has been of some little use." "I saw you very usefully employed not long ago." "Doing that?" and he pointed to the open place. "Yes, the strangest occupation I ever saw a man engaged in." "The man did it awkwardly." "And you?" "Better, as you can see." "I'm no judge." "Yes, you are." I saw Aaron coming, driving slowly on. I knew that I must go in. "Shall I come and stay with Miss Axtell to-night?" I asked. "You do not look able." "I am. I've not been long awake. I am quite restored." He looked up at me. It was the very first time that I had seen him do so. "Do you wish to come?" he asked. What a question! I couldn't answer. I thought of my tower-secret, which I felt convinced was wrapped up in that large, sombre mansion, where his dead mother (whom I had never seen) lay, and his beautiful sister was. I had not answered him. He spoke again,-- "As if it could please you to come where death and suffering are! I will find some one; if not, I can stay up." "I will come, if you can trust me, after last night's errors." "You look like one to be trusted." "I am glad you think so. Are my services accepted?" "Gratefully, if you'll promise one thing." "Ask it." "Sleep until I send for you." "I can't promise." "You'll try?" "Perhaps"; and I went back to the parsonage. Sophie had deserted the reading and the window to do something that she imagined would please Aaron when he came home. It was nearly evening. The sun was gone. I resumed my seat and work. "You look gloomy, Anna,--what is it?" asked Aaron's evergreen voice, as Aaron's self came into the room, somewhat the worse for mud and mountain wear. "Was last night's watching too much for you?" "Oh, no; I'm going again to-night." "Going where?" Sophie was the questioner. "To stay with Miss Axtell." "I wouldn't, Anna; one night has made you pale," she said. "You're a frightened little thing," I said. "You've Aaron's headachy eyes of yesterday." "Have you promised to go?" Aaron asked. "I have. Mr. Axtell is to send for me in time."