The old gentleman kissed her fondly, and asked did she pass a quiet night. "Oh, yes. I didn't sleep much, that is all--for thinking." "Thinking of what?" "The expected guest. To-day is the 9th of July, and cousin Elmer comes." "Ah, yes--Elmer Franklin. I had almost forgotten him." "How does he look, father? Is his hair dark, or has he blue eyes? I hardly know which I like best." "I do not remember. I've not seen the boy since he was a mere child, years ago. He has been at school since." "He must be a man now. He is past twenty-one, and, as for school, why, it's the Scientific School, and I'm sure men go to that." "You seem greatly interested in this unknown relative, Alma." "He is to be our guest, father--for a whole month. Come! Will you have breakfast out here in the porch?" "Yes, dear. It is quite comfortable here, and it will save the trouble of moving." Thereupon Alma entered the house in search of the breakfast, and a moment after Mr. Lawrence Belford entered the garden at the street gate. The son of an old friend of Mr. Denny's lamented wife, Mr. Belford had been admitted to the house some months since as confidential clerk and business man. He was a rather commonplace person, about thirty years of age, and his education and manners were good if not remarkable. During his residence with the Dennys he had found time to fall in love with Alma, and they had been engaged--and with Mr. Denny's consent. "Good morning, Lawrence. You're just in time for breakfast." "Good morning, sir. Thank you, no. I have been to breakfast. I am just up from the station." "Seen anything of the railroad coach? The train is in, and it is time for the coach to pass. Our guest may be in it." "No, sir, but I saw the express coming up the hill with an extra large load of baggage." Just here Alma returned from the house bearing a large tray of plates and breakfast things. The young people greet each other pleasantly, and Alma proceeds to lay the table. "Now for breakfast, father. Everything waits upon a good appetite. Will you not join us, Lawrence?" Mr. Belford replies that he has been to breakfast. Mr. Denny takes a cup of coffee, and while sipping it remarks: "How many more window-frames shall you require for the new mill, Lawrence?" "Ten more, sir. There is only a part of the fourth story unfinished." "Alma, dear, do you remember how high we decided the new chimney was to be? Yes, thank you, only two lumps of sugar. Thank you. You remember we were talking about it when the Lawsons were here." "Don't ask me. Ask Lawrence. I never can remember anything about such matters." Just at that moment the express pulled up at the gate, and there was a knock. Alma rose hastily, and said: "Oh! That must be Elmer."