A slight trembling at my side,--an instant of silence that seemed
an hour, yet within which I could count but six footfalls, and
Alice replied:--

"Yes; if the parlor happens to be empty, I'll ask her if she won't
go in and see you a moment." Then there came a look full of
tenderness, wonder, painful solicitude, and then two dear eyes
filled with tears.

"We're nearly there, darling," said I, with a reassuring embrace.

"Yes, and you sha'n't be the only hero," said she, straightening
herself proudly, and looking a fit model for a Cenobia.

As we passed from behind a clump of evergreens which hid the house
from our view, I involuntarily exclaimed, "Gracious!" Upon the
piazza stood Mrs. Mayton; at her side stood my two nephews, as
dirty in face, in clothing, as I had ever seen them. I don't know
but that for a moment I freely forgave them, for their presence
might grant me the respite which a sense of duty would not allow
me to take.

"Wezhe comed up to wide home wif you," exclaimed Toddie, as Mrs.
Mayton greeted me with an odd mixture of courtesy, curiosity and
humor. Alice led the way into the parlor whispered to her mother,
and commenced to make a rapid exit, when Mrs. Mayton called her
back, and motioned her to a chair. Alice and I exchanged sidelong
glances.

"Alice says you wish to speak with me, Mr. Burton," said she. "I