Dorothy turned and came to meet us. 'It is kind of you to come over,' she said, trying for her usual cheerful tone, as she went before us into the little parlour. 'You wished to hear our fate. Yes, it is settled, the letter will be sent to-day.' 'And it says----' 'That he will go.' Master Caleb bowed his head. 'Of course,' he said in a low voice. He went to the window, and stood looking out for a moment or two, while Mistress Dorothy spoke to me; but how he managed the smile with which he turned back directly, I cannot think. 'Then I wish you and the Professor all happiness and success, and--you will not quite forget old Morechester.' 'Never,' she said earnestly. 'Master Caleb, indeed this is not my doing. It frightens me for my father. I don't think he is looking well. But he has so set his heart on going, and if I say a word against it, he only says, "Let me go home, Dolly, let me go home." I thought he had forgotten Scotland, but the old love for it seems to have come back. I cannot keep him from what he calls his home, or try to make him stay here.' 'No, no. To be sure not. Why should you?' 'I should have been so glad. But that does not matter, if only it is good for him. He is tiring himself already, making preparations.' 'Then it will be soon----' 'I suppose so. And since it has to come, the saying good-bye, the leaving here, and all the rest of it, it had better be soon over.' 'Yes,' answered Master Caleb, breaking out into one of those unlucky speeches that said one thing and meant another, 'it'll be a blessing when you are gone.' She smiled a little. 'I think it will. And for you too. I know you will be sorry.' 'Oh, never mind that. It doesn't matter much for me,--I mean, don't think--It doesn't matter, I mean----' 'I am afraid you will miss my father very much.' 'Oh yes, your father. Of course I shall miss _him_. Everything will be gone that I care for in the world,--the chemistry, you know, and all.' 'And my father will miss you. Won't you come and see him?' She went across and opened the study door. The room was all in disorder, drawers open, book-cases half empty, and their contents scattered about all over the tables and floor. The Professor, with more colour than usual in his face, was moving about, adding something every minute to the confusion. He stopped with a whole shelf-full of books in his arms, as Dorothy said cheerily, 'Father, here is Master Caleb Morton, come to wish us joy. Why, dear father,' she added, half laughing, 'what are you doing to the room?' 'There's no time to lose, my dear, and a great deal to be done. You are welcome, Caleb Morton, I am obleeged to you,' as Master Caleb offered his help. 'Yes. I shall be very grateful for any help that will enable us to get away more quickly to my future post.'