ned to know each other in a little, and they did each other
good. Mrs Inglis saw clearly how well it was for David to have some
one more ready and better fitted to share his pleasures and interests
than Jem, because of his different tastes and pursuits, could possibly
do. And she saw also that David's influence could not fail to have a
salutary effect on his friend, and she encouraged their intercourse, and
did all in her power to make it profitable to them both. Violet and the
children spent a month in Gourlay; but Mrs Inglis, not liking to leave
David and Jem alone, only went for a day or two. They returned early in
August. Mr Oswald and Frank were expected soon. Mr Philip's spirits
did not rise as the time of their coming drew near. He dreaded for his
father the coming back to find no home awaiting him. He consulted with
Mrs Inglis as to the preparations he should make for him; but, when it
was talked over among them, it was found that he did not know enough
about his father's future plans to make it possible for him to make
arrangements for more than a day or two. He did not even know whether
he was to remain in Singleton. He did not even know whether he should
remain in Singleton himself. He could decide nothing till they came.
He was altogether too anxious and troubled, Mrs Inglis told him; he had
not been like himself for some time.

"Well, it ought to be all the more agreeable to the rest because of
that," said he, laughing.

"It has not been. And you must let me say that I think you are
troubling yourself more than enough with regard to the coming of your
father."

"But it is about myself, partly, you know."

"Well, I think the trouble is uncalled for in either case. It will not
be so bad for your father as you fear."

"Do you know what is the news in town to-day, Philip?" asked Jem. "That
you and old Caldwell are going into the produce business together. A
queer team you would make!"

"We have drawn very well together for the last year," said Philip.

Jem shrugged his shoulders, and made a grimace.

"Singleton might suit Mr Caldwell to do business in, but I wouldn't fix
myself in Singleton if I were you."

"Nonsense, Jem," said David. "There is no better place than Singleton
for that business, everybody knows."

"And, besides, Philip is well-known here," said Mrs Inglis.

"I am not sure that it is a better place for me because of that, Aunt
Mary; but it is as good a place as any, I