issed she started back to her own room, heart-sick because of this
second disappointment. A few minutes after a servant knocked at the door
and informed her that a gentleman wished to see her in the parlour.

CHAPTER VIII

A DISCOVERY

"I am so glad to see you, Mr. Young. Louisa is not sick, I hope?"

"I came for you in Louisa's place; she is not well enough to quit her room.
Did you suppose that I intended leaving you here for another month?"

"I was rather afraid you had forgotten me; the prospect was gloomy ten
minutes ago. It seems a long time since I was with you."

She stood close to him, looking gladly into his face, unconscious of the
effect of her words.

"You sent me no note all this time; why not?"

"I was afraid of troubling you; and, besides, I would rather tell you what
I want you to know."

"Miss Irene, the carriage is at the door. I am a patient man, and can wait
half an hour if you have any preparation to make."

In much less time she joined him, equipped for the ride, and took her place
beside him in the carriage. As they reached his father's door, and he
assisted her out, she saw him look at her very searchingly.

"It is time that you had a little fresh air. You are not quite yourself.
Louisa is in her room; run up to her."

She found her friend suffering with sore throat, and was startled at the
appearance of her flushed cheeks. Mrs. Young sat beside her, and after most
cordial greetings the latter resigned her seat and left them, enjoining
upon her daughter the necessity of remaining quiet.

"Mother was almost afraid for you to come, but I teased and coaxed for
permission; told her that even if I had the scarlet fever you had already
had it, and would run no risk. Harvey says it is not scarlet fever at all,
and he persuaded mother to let him go after you. He always has things his
own way, though he brings it about so quietly that nobody would even
suspect him of being self-willed. Harvey is a good friend of yours, Irene."

"I am glad to hear it; he is certainly very kind to me. But recollect you
are not to talk much; let me talk to you."

The following morning found Louisa much better, and Irene and the mother
spent the day in her room. Late in the afternoon the minister came in and
talked to his sister for some moments, then turned to his mother.

"Mother, I am going to take this visitor of yours down to the library;
Louisa has monopolized her long enough. Come, Miss Irene,