I was right in my opinion. They did not turn about directly and go
home--I did not expect that, of course--but they walked only to the
turn of the road the other way; then I saw them pass the house, and
presently poor Harry returned alone.

I did pity Harry Liscom when I met him on the street a few days after
the Jamesons had left. I guessed at once that he was missing his
sweetheart sorely, and had not yet had a letter from her. He looked
pale and downcast, though he smiled as he lifted his hat to me, but
he colored a little as if he suspected that I might guess his secret.

I met him the next day, and his face was completely changed, all
radiant and glowing with the veritable light of youthful hope upon
it. He bowed to me with such a flash of joy in his smile that I felt
quite warmed by it, though it was none of mine. I thought, though I
said nothing, "Harry Liscom, you have had a letter."



V

THEIR SECOND SUMMER


The Jamesons returned to Linnville the first of June. For some weeks
we had seen indications of their coming. All through April and May
repairs and improvements had been going on in their house. Some time
during the winter the Jamesons had purchased the old Wray place, and
we felt that they were to be a permanent feature in our midst.