nt one."

"He has improved very much," said Mrs Inglis.

"And, now, when he and Davie are such friends," went on Jem, who did not
know when he had said enough. "I think if Davie approves of him, that
ought to be enough for Violet."

"Quite enough, I acknowledge, Jem," said Violet. "I wonder where Davie
has gone;" and she rose and went to the door as if to see.

She did not find him, if she looked for him, for David and Philip, after
walking up and down the railway track for some time, went down to
David's favourite seat on the stones of the abutment of the bridge close
by the water. They were silent for some time after they went there.
David sat gazing at the bright clouds that lingered after the sunset,
while his friend moved up and down and flung stones into the water. By
and by he sat down by David's side, saying--

"And so I am all at sea again."

"I don't see why you should be `at sea again,' as you call it," said
David. "Mr Caldwell's offer was made without any reference to me, and
my refusal can make no real difference."

"It will make all the difference in the world to me."

"Philip, promise me one thing. Don't decide till your father comes and
Frank. I don't know when I was so glad. See how pleased your father
will be."

"Nonsense, Davie! It is no such great thing as all that--a partnership
with old Caldwell."

"Hear what your father will say. I can't say how fine a thing it will
be to be his partner, but your father will think it a high compliment
that he should have wished it. It will be good for you--and for him
too. I don't know which I congratulate most."

David was growing enthusiastic.

"It would do, I think, if you were coming with us. A clerkship now, and
a partnership afterwards. There is no hope of making you change your
mind, Davie?"

"Would you wish me to change my mind, Philip?" said David laying his arm
over his friend's shoulder, in a way that would have satisfied Violet of
his interest and affection.

"I don't know. I am not sure. I don't understand it."

"Yes, you do, Philip--or you will sometime. I mean, you will understand
why this should be the best thing for me to do. You cannot quite
understand all I feel about it, because you never knew my father."

"Tell me about him," said Philip.

"It is not what I could tell you that would make you understand. But--
we speak about aspirations and ambitions, Philip; but if I had my choice
what I should do, or w