to
school, and slide a little bit on the Common when the snow comes and
there aren't any big boys about, will it, mamma?" she said,
disconsolately. "I sha'n't feel as if that were a great deal, I think."

"I am afraid the High Valley is a poor preparation for West Cedar
Street," laughed Rose. "It _will_ seem a limited career to both of us at
first. But cheer up, Poppet; I'm going to put you into a dancing-class
this winter, and very likely at Christmas-time papa will treat us both
to a Moral Drayma. There _are_ consolations, even in Boston."

"That 'even in Boston' is the greatest compliment the High Valley ever
received," said Clover, who happened to be within hearing. "Such a
moment will never come to it again."

And now the last day came, as last days will. Mr. Browne returned from
Mexico, with forty-eight hours to spare for enjoyment, which interval
they employed in showing him the two things that Rose loved
most,--namely, the High Valley from top to bottom, and the North
Cheyenne Canyon. The last luncheon was taken at Mrs. Hope's, who had
collected a few choice spirits in honor of the occasion, and then they
all took the Roses to the train, and sent them off loaded with fruit and
flowers.

"Miss Young was extraordinarily queer and dismal last night," said Rose
to Clover as they stood a little aside from the rest on the platform. "I
can't quite see what ails her. She looks thinner than when we came, and
doesn't seem to know how to smile; depend upon it she's going to be ill,
or something. I wish you had a pleasanter neighbor,--especially as she's
likely to be the only one for some time to come."

"Poor thing. I've neglected her of late," replied Clover, penitently. "I
must make up for it now that you are going away. Really, I couldn't
take my time for her while you were here, Rosy."

"And I certainly couldn't let you. I should have resented it highly if
you had. Oh dear,--there's that whistle. We really have got to go. I
hoped to the last that something might happen to keep us another day. Oh
dear Clover,--I wish we lived nearer each other. This country of ours is
a great deal too wide."

"Geoff," said Clover, as they slowly climbed the hill, "I never felt
before that the High Valley was too far away from people, but somehow I
do to-night. It is quite terrible to have Rose go, and to feel that I
may not see her again for years."

"Did you want to go with her?"

"And leave you? No, dearest. But I am quite