"The intoxication she means," thought Fred, and the color rose to his face. Nellie observed this, and was sorry she had said what she did. "As I wrote you, I could have explained it fully to you. I know what you mean." "I did not intend to refer to that unfortunate affair," said Nellie, with sympathy. "It pains me to think of it, but I shall be glad to have you understand it." "It was a great surprise to me, Fred, and being right here seemed awful, but since receiving your letter I have suspected Matthew De Vere might have had something to do with it." "Have you thought so?" "Yes; was I right?" "Yes, Nellie, you were; but I did wrong in following him." "Will you not tell me all about it?" Fred went over the matter of his intoxication, and explained everything truthfully, while Nellie listened with interest and astonishment. XXXI. Fred's story was a surprising revelation to Nellie Dutton, who now, for the first time, saw Matthew De Vere's conduct in its true light. "How could he be so mean?" she exclaimed. "It was his revenge," replied Fred. "Why did you not speak of his treachery?" "I thought it best not to till I could get proof of it, for if I had he would have denied it." "He ought to have been punished." "He will be in time, I think." "I hope so; but that will not make up for all you have suffered. So he was the means of your losing your position in the store?" "Yes." "I will never speak to him again!" said Nellie indignantly. "He is too mean." "I felt sure the time would come when you would say so," replied Fred. The color came to Nellie's face. "Yes?" she answered, after a pause. Fred saw that she was slightly embarrassed, and knew she was thinking of the somewhat sarcastic letter he had sent her. "Nellie, I hope you will forget my letter," he said. "I should be glad to, if I could." "I am sorry I sent it." "I am sorry you had cause to send it." "I was hasty; but it is past now. I hope you will not let it trouble you." "If I will forget the letter, will you forget what caused you to send it?" "I shall be only too glad to do so." "Truly?" "Here is my hand on it." "Shall we now be as good friends as ever?" asked Nellie, as she withdrew her hand. "I sincerely hope so, and--even better," he added hesitatingly. Nellie's eyes dropped, and a sweet blush stole over her face. "We were very good friends before, I thought," she answered. "So we were, but--but--well, I shall prize your friendship more highly since learning how much I missed it." Nellie now brought her fan into requisition. "And you will never write me any more sarcastic letters?" "No." Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Dr. Dutton. "Ah! good evening, Fred. I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long, but I hope Nellie has entertained you well." Fred arose, blushed, and took the doctor's hand. Why he blushed he didn't know, but he could feel his cheeks burn.