"That is true," said Miss Gladden, "she cares for you more than for any of the others, but only, as you say, as a brother. Her heart does not seem to be very susceptible." "She may be none the less susceptible," Houston replied, "but she realizes her position here, and she is far too proud spirited to carry her heart upon her sleeve." Miss Gladden then related to Houston the events oi the preceding night, and Lyle's sudden recollection of her own mother. He was much interested. "I am more than glad," he replied, "doubtless the memory of her early childhood will gradually come back to her, and we may be able to ascertain her true parentage. I hope so, at least, for I believe Maverick to be an out and out scoundrel, capable of any villainy, and I would like to see him brought to justice." The room set apart for the expected guests, as well as the dining-room, was decorated with wild flowers and trailing vines, and in this pleasant employment, and the preparation of a few dainty dishes for the table, the forenoon passed swiftly. The noon train had scarcely come to a stop at the little station at the Y, when Ned Rutherford was seen rushing impetuously from the car, his camera case as usual in one hand, at sight of which the two young men waiting on the platform burst into a hearty laugh. "There he is," said Houston, "the same old Ned!" "The very same old boy!" added Van Dorn, as they hastened to meet him. "Hullo, Everard!" cried Ned, jumping upon the platform, "I say, but it seems mighty good to see you again! How are you, Van Dorn?" "How are you, Ned?" said Van Dorn, extending his hand, "we wouldn't have known you if it hadn't been for that camera box of yours!" "That so?" answered Ned, good-naturedly, "well, I always considered it indispensable, but I didn't suppose my identity would be lost without it." Meanwhile, Houston had hastened to meet the elder brother, and it could readily be seen that they were more than ordinary friends. "Everard, old fellow!" he exclaimed, in response to Houston's greeting, "this is the greatest pleasure I've had in many a day. I never dreamed that the Houston of whom Ned wrote such glowing accounts was my old friend." "I used to think sometimes," said Houston, "when Ned was writing you, that I would like to send you some reminder of old times, a college password or signal that you would understand; but at that time, I didn't know Ned very well, and of course I was anxious to conceal my identity here." "That was right," said the elder Rutherford, with a comical glance at his brother, "Ned is rather injudicious, he belongs to that unfortunate class of people, with the best of intentions, who usually succeed in doing as much mischief as others with the worst."