“We have no right to foist a fellow like that on our friends, unless we are sure they know about his past.” “Every one does know, I think.” “They can’t, or they would not ask him. Though I must say the sort of irresponsible man he is seems to me to stick out plainly enough.” “Does it?” said Nellie. “I don’t think so. If I met Bob now for the first time, I think I might be inclined to like him.” The reply for some reason seemed to irritate Emmons. “Oh, then you approve of letting him loose on society,” he said somewhat illogically. “I don’t know what I can do about it, James. I can not forbid him to accept invitations.” “I am not so sure,” returned Emmons; “but one thing you certainly can do. You can move out of town. He will find it hard work to accept invitations in Hilltop, and we are justified, I think, in insisting that he shall come out there every night.” Nellie hesitated. “I could do that,” she said, “and yet I hate to go so early to the country. I shall be very lonely at Hilltop, James.” “No,” said Emmons, “for I have decided to take a house there myself--the red one, I think, across the ravine from you.” “Oh, that will be delightful,” said Nellie. “Besides, you will need my help in keeping an eye on Bob. This way, he and I can go up and down to town together every day.” “You are very good, James. You think of everything to save me trouble.” Mr. Lee was delighted at the prospect of an early move to Hilltop. He and his forefathers had been born and bred there. He loved the place; he loved the ugly red brick and stone house which his father had built on high ground to replace the old farmhouse in the valley below. He loved the farm itself--the acres of rolling country spread out on the slopes.