Mr. Tracy at this moment entered the room with the proof of a column in the newspaper in his hand. "So you are sentimentalizing in the twilight," he exclaimed, laughing aloud. "I was going to ask the favor from you, Mr. Edmond, of a glance over this proof. It is my speech before the legislature. You have probably seen some notice of it. The press have been very flattering in their reports, and I have at length been prevailed upon to give it to the public." "On what occasion was the speech?" "I am astonished you have not heard of it. Our legislature were petitioned for a railroad grant; and I was requested to lay some facts before them, which had come under my notice. I did so, and my statements were favorably received, exceedingly so; indeed I may say I was congratulated upon the fairness of my arguments as well as the incontrovertible nature of my figures." During this speech, Frank caught a glimpse of his sister and was so astonished by her manner, that he found it difficult to comprehend all his guardian was saying. A comprehensive: "Certainly, sir," put him all right with the gentleman, who, after ordering a servant to light the gas, and placing the precious sheet in the hands of the young collegian for review, left the room. "Now, Sis," ejaculated her brother playfully, "you must explain what you mean by freezing up in that style. I never saw such a change come over any person's countenance as did over yours on Mr. Tracy's entrance. I had no idea you could be so dignified. Ah, I'm afraid you have been naughtier than I thought!" "I have been taking lessons in deportment," she answered without relaxing from her gravity. Then, with a sudden burst of feeling she exclaimed: "It seems years, instead of months, since I lived at home, and ran wild around our shady walks. Oh, Frank, promise me one thing! Say you will never be married, and that as soon as you graduate, you will take me back to Woodbine Cottage. Promise that, and I'll try to be content." A footfall sounded on the walk before the house, then came quickly up the steps. Springing from her seat with a bound, Helen seized her brother's head in her arms, pressing her lips excitedly to his forehead. "Good-night," she whispered. "Tell Mr. Tracy our plan for to-morrow. I must send word to my teachers of my wish to be absent." Then before he could reply she had glided from the parlor. The young man stood a moment gazing after her retreating form, wondering at her impulsive manner, then drew a chair near the table, and sat down to the examination of the proof-sheet. He had only advanced to the fifth line, however, before the door opened, and a young man entered. "Mr. Edmond, I suppose," he said, advancing cordially with hand outstretched. "I am happy to see you under my father's roof. But where is your sister?" "She has just left me. I suppose you are Roswell Edmond Tracy, my father's namesake."