employer of
help?"

"It is," answered Dorothy, somewhat awed by the solemnity of his tone, "if
help is to be found. I thought you might know where I could get some
one."

"If I might be permitted to suggest," replied Mr. Bradford, after due
deliberation, "I should unhesitatingly recommend Mrs. Sarah Smithers, who
did for your uncle during the entire period of his residence here and
whose privilege it was to close his eyes in his last sleep. She is at
present without prospect of a situation, and I believe would be very ready
to accept a new position, especially so desirable a position as this, in
your service."

"Thank you. Could you--could you send her to me?"

"I shall do so, most assuredly, providing she is willing to come, and
should she chance not to be agreeably disposed toward so pleasing a
project, it will be my happiness to endeavour to persuade her." Drawing
out a memorandum book and a pencil, the old gentleman made an entry upon a
fresh page. "The multitudinous duties in connection with the practice of
my profession," he began--"there, my dear madam, it is already attended
to, since it is placed quite out of my power to forget."

"I am greatly obliged," said Dorothy.

"And now," continued the visitor, "I must go. I fear I have already
outstayed the limitation of a formal visit, such as the first should be,
and it is not my desire to intrude upon an author's time. Moreover, my own
duties, slight and unimportant as they are in comparison, must ultimately
press upon my attention."

"Come again," said Harlan, kindly, following him to the door.

"It will be my great pleasure," rejoined the guest, "not only on your own
account, but because your personality reminds me of that of my departed
friend. You favour him considerably, more particularly in the eyes, if I
may be permitted to allude to details. I think I told you, did I not, that
he was my Colonel and I was privileged to serve under him in the war?
My--oh, I walked, did I not? I remember that it was my intention to come
in a carriage, as being more suitable to a formal visit, but Mr. Blake had
other engagements for his vehicle. Dear sir and madam, I bid you good
afternoon."

So saying, he went downhill, briskly enough, yet stumbling where the way
was rough. They watched him until the bobbing, bell-shaped crown of the
ancient head-gear was completely out of sight.

"What a dear old man!" said Dorothy. "He's lonely and we must have him
come up often