"Judge Hammond."

"Oh, dear, no. He and Slade had all sorts of a quarrel about a
year ago, and he's never darkened our doors since."

"It was something about Willy and--." The speaker did not mention
any name, but winked knowingly and tossed his head toward the
entrance of the house, to indicate some member of Slade's family.

"I believe so."

"D'ye think Willy really likes her?"

Matthew shrugged his shoulders, but made no answer.

"She's a nice girl," was remarked in an under tone, "and good
enough for Hammond's son any day; though, if she were my daughter,
I'd rather see her in Jericho than fond of his company."

"He'll have plenty of money to give her. She can live like a
queen."

"For how long?"

"Hush!" came from the lips of Matthew. "There she is now."

I looked up, and saw at a short distance from the house, and
approaching, a young lady, in whose sweet, modest face, I at once
recognized Flora Slade, Five years had developed her into a