ith a flash
of her black ones.

"I think if you were my sister, I should be very proud of you, because
your face shows what I admire more than its beauty truth and courage,
Phebe," answered Mac with a little bow full of such genuine respect that
surprise and pleasure brought a sudden dew to quench the fire of the
girl's eyes and soothe the sensitive pride of the girl's heart.

Rose clapped her hands just as she used to do when anything delighted
her, and beamed at Mac approvingly as she said: "Now that's a criticism
worth having, and we are much obliged. I was sure you'd admire my Phebe
when you knew her, but I didn't believe you would be wise enough to see
it at once, and you have gone up many pegs in my estimation, I assure
you."

"I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, and I've been tapping
round a good deal lately, so I've learned to know precious metals when I
see them," Mac said with his shrewd smile.

"That is the latest hobby, then? Your letters have amused us immensely,
for each one had a new theory or experiment, and the latest was
always the best. I thought Uncle would have died of laughter over the
vegetarian mania it was so funny to imagine you living on bread and
milk, baked apples, and potatoes roasted in your own fire," continued
Rose, changing the subject again.

"This old chap was the laughingstock of his class. They called him Don
Quixote, and the way he went at windmills of all sorts was a sight to
see," put in Charlie, evidently feeling that Mac had been patted on the
head quite as much as was good for him.

"But in spite of that the Don got through college with all the honors.
Oh, wasn't I proud when Aunt Jane wrote to us about it and didn't she
rejoice that her boy kept at the head of his class and won the medal!"
cried Rose, shaking Mac by both hands in a way that caused Charlie to
wish "the old chap" had been left behind with Dr. Alec.

"Oh, come, that's all Mother's nonsense. I began earlier than the other
fellows and liked it better, so I don't deserve any praise. Prince is
right, though. I did make a regular jack of myself, but on the whole
I'm not sure that my wild oats weren't better than some I've seen sowed.
Anyway, they didn't cost much, and I'm none the worse for them," said
Mac placidly.

"I know what 'wild oats' means. I heard Uncle Mac say Charlie was sowing
'em too fast, and I asked Mama, so she told me. And I know that he was
suspelled or expended, I don't remember