Uncle Lot pulled up a stalk or two of weeds, and threw them over the fence, just to show that he did not care any thing about the matter; and then he came up and stood by James. "Nothin' so remarkable, as I know on," said he. Just then, Grace came to say that supper was ready. Once seated at table, it was astonishing to see the perfect and smiling assurance with which our hero continued his addresses to Uncle Lot. It sometimes goes a great way towards making people like us to take it for granted that they do already; and upon this principle James proceeded. He talked, laughed, told stories, and joked with the most fearless assurance, occasionally seconding his words by looking Uncle Lot in the face, with a countenance so full of good will as would have melted any snowdrift of prejudices in the world. James also had one natural accomplishment, more courtier-like than all the diplomacy in Europe, and that was the gift of feeling a _real_ interest for any body in five minutes; so that, if he began to please in jest, he generally ended in earnest. With great simplicity of mind, he had a natural tact for seeing into others, and watched their motions with the same delight with which a child gazes at the wheels and springs of a watch, to "see what it will do." The rough exterior and latent kindness of Uncle Lot were quite a spirit-stirring study; and when tea was over, as he and Grace happened to be standing together in the front door, he broke forth,-- "I do really like your father, Grace!" "Do you?" said Grace. "Yes, I do. He has something _in him_, and I like him all the better for having to fish it out." "Well, I hope you will make him like you," said Grace, unconsciously; and then she stopped, and looked a little ashamed. James was too well bred to see this, or look as if Grace meant any more than she said--a kind of breeding not always attendant on more fashionable polish--so he only answered,-- "I think I shall, Grace, though I doubt whether I can get him to own it." "He is the kindest man that ever was," said Grace; "and he always acts as if he was ashamed of it." James turned a little away, and looked at the bright evening sky, which was glowing like a calm, golden sea; and over it was the silver new moon, with one little star to hold the candle for her. He shook some bright drops off from a rosebush near by, and watched to see them shine as they fell, while Grace stood very quietly waiting for him to speak again. "Grace," said he, at last, "I am going to college this fall." "So you told me yesterday," said Grace. James stooped down over Grace's geranium, and began to busy himself with pulling off all the dead leaves, remarking in the mean while,-- "And if I do get _him_ to like me, Grace, will you like me too?" "I like you now very well," said Grace. "Come, Grace, you know what I mean," said James, looking steadfastly at the top of the apple tree.