owly.

A light footfall came down the stairs, and Marilla flew to his side.

"Oh, I thought I heard your voice," and both small hands clasped his.
"Fairy godmother I have spelled all those queer words until I can just
feel them in my brain. Oh, doctor, when I wrote you that letter last
summer wasn't some words wrongly spelled? You see I _had_ forgotten
some things, and I am learning so much. I want to stay here, and I
don't believe any one else wants me--only the babies might."

When she glanced up at times it seemed as if the pupil that was so
much darker than the iris that it flooded it with the tint of the
under wave that seemed to overflow the crest of the swell. They were
unusual eyes, changing with every emotion. She looked quite well
again, and the lips were rosy.

"Oh, you don't?" with a queer little smile. "Well the babies can't
have you."

"Oh, Bridget thinks if she were rich she would run away with me," and
she laughingly detailed the woman's plan for their journeying about.

"If Bridget should get a windfall--servants do sometimes, we should
have to keep a sharp eye on you both, and now I must go."

"Can't he stay to dinner?" She crossed over and pressed Miss
Armitage's hand to her soft cheek.

"Why we shall be glad to have him, but you must notify Jane and
Norah."

She returned with the compliments of both. While they were waiting for
the summons and being beguiled with her pleasant chatter he was
thinking what a charming family group they would make. If he only had
the old fortune!

They had an enjoyable time and when they returned to the library she
begged him to play chess. She was so fond of following the devious
course of the opposing parties.

"Office calls will not begin until eight," he said and she rolled up
the table and brought out the beautiful chess men. She was always so
deft it was a pleasure to watch her.

He was playing for the white queen; he often did. This time he studied
his moves cautiously. But Miss Armitage had played so much with her
uncle. Then the telephone rang and he went astray.

She answered it. "For Dr. Richards, a Mr. Lorimer was in the office,
wanted to see him at once. Important; everything was progressing
finely. Could he not see the little heiress that evening?"

He looked at Miss Armitage in ludicrous dismay.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Your sin finds you out, doesn't it?" with an amused yet deprecating
smile. "I suppose I ought to have explained be