him. He swung a chair around for Mrs. Hamlin, and
when she was seated he took another chair opposite, saying: "Is there
anything particular this morning, madam, which you desire to talk about?"
The old lady looked at him a moment, then said:

"Mr. Sedgwick, I have noticed that since you came to my house you seem to
be worried, as though this London roar and confusion oppressed you; and
I have seen a look on your face sometimes, which, it seemed to me, if set
to words would say: 'I would give anything in the world to be out of this
and back once more free in my native land.' It worries me, and I want to
ask you if something cannot be done to make your life here more
pleasant."

"Why, my dear madam," said Sedgwick, "I never was half so kindly
entertained before as I have been in your house. There is nothing
lacking, nothing; and when I think of ever returning all this kindness
my gratitude is made bankrupt."

"Still, you have something on your mind. Is it a business trouble? Will
you not test our friendship in real truth?" asked the lady.

Sedgwick looked at her seriously a moment, and said: "I have something,
but it is not business, that distresses me. But, were I to tell you, it
would test your friendship indeed."

"Well," responded the lady, "I want to know it. I hope we can help you."

"Mrs. Hamlin," said Sedgwick, "I was reared a farmer's son. I was a wild
boy, I guess. I left school with education not yet completed--left under
a cloud, but no disgrace attached to my leaving. I went to Texas and was
a cowboy for a year. From there I wandered west, learned the occupation
of mining; for four years almost every day I have been underground. I met
Jack: we were friends; how close at last you do not know. We started
east; he accompanied me to my childhood's home. After a brief visit I
came with him to his. I have been three weeks under your roof; I am bound
by a promise to remain until Jack's marriage, and, in the meantime, in
spite of myself, I, the farmer, the cowboy, and the miner, have dared to
look upon your daughter, and my soul is groveling at her feet. I love her
with such intensity that I have feared sometimes I should break down and
beseech her to have pity on me. Now you have it all. Tell me, I pray, how
I can be true to myself and to the hospitality which you have extended me
until Jack shall be married and I can return to my native land!"

When he once had begun, his words were poured out in a torrent;