"Perhaps he intended that to be the play," said Mrs. Charlston, with a sly wink looking to Fred. "Ah, the deceiver that she is!" exclaimed Fred irritably. "She is a vile woman." "Why, Fred, Fred, why all this! are you really going mad?" "No, mother, I am not mad, although I have been bitten deeply enough to have made me as mad as a raving maniac." "Why, Fred," said she, "do tell us what is the matter with you then--the why and wherefore also." "Well, mother, had you not asked of me to do so I would not of my own accord; but since you demand an explanation, I will give you my reasons, and then leave you to judge seriously whether I have acted right or wrong." Fred then related all that he had seen and heard respecting Clara and Charlie Holstrom. "But are you sure 'twas really them?" said his mother, when he had finished telling them. "Mother, do you for a moment attempt to doubt my word?" exclaimed Fred. "My dear son, I do not; but I thought you might be mistaken in them, especially at night. However, the next time that Clara comes here, I will question her plainly about it. I shall then hear her version of the story, and will be enabled to judge more correctly. If I find out that she has been keeping company with Charlie I shall forbid her to enter my house again." "Do as you please, mother; but I have resolved never to speak to her again," said Fred, and walked off to his room, leaving his mother and sisters to talk over the matter. On the third evening afterwards Clara made her appearance at Mr. Charlston's. After the usual preliminaries of courtesy were disposed of, Mrs. C. requested Clara to walk into the library room as she desired to speak a few minutes to her, alone. Fred had snugly enclosed himself in his bed-chamber. The others of the family were in the parlor. Having seated themselves Mrs. Charlston addressed Clara, and related all the particulars she knew relative to the unfortunate circumstances alluded to. "My dear Mrs. Charlston," exclaimed Clara, excitedly, "since I have patiently listened to your narration, will you now, as a favor I ask, have patience until I render an explanation?" "By all means I shall," replied Mrs. C. "But before that I do so," said Clara, "I desire that Fred should be present." "That is impossible to-night," replied Mrs. C. "I shall, however, find an opportunity of bringing the matter before Fred, in the manner in which you represent it."