g to do. Certain it is, however, that as Ned cooled
off in his intimacy with Rhoneland, he appeared to rise in the old man's
estimation; and he grew more cordial when they _did_ meet. It may have
been that the suspicions implanted by Rust were gradually giving way
before the frank, honest nature of the young man; or it may have been that
gratitude for the assistance which Somers had lent, (and which Harson was
very particular to give its full weight) in disentangling him from the
toils of Rust; or it may have been the secret influence of Harson, who
ventured, whenever it could be done, to speak a good word for Ned; or it
may have been the drooping face of his child, which he was wont more than
ever to study anxiously, that gradually softened his feelings; but there
is no doubt that, to Kate's surprise, he one day told her to get him pen,
ink and paper, and to draw the table in front of him, as he was going to
write a letter. And it must be confessed, that Kate's color heightened,
and her heart beat fast when he had finished the letter, directed it to
Mr. Edward Somers, and then asked if she knew the address of Somers, which
of course she did; although she hesitated and stammered as if it were a
profound secret, and the answer the most difficult thing in the world.

But her surprise was scarcely greater than that of Ned himself, when a boy
came to him with a letter which ran thus:

'MY DEAR EDWARD: Come to me as soon as you can; I wish to see
you on a matter of much importance to both of us.

Yours truly,
JACOB RHONELAND.'

Ned felt something bouncing about in a very queer manner directly under
his ribs, as he read this note; but the sensation was not so painful as to
prevent his obeying it with a speed that was perfectly marvellous; for to
Rhoneland it seemed that the letter could scarcely have reached its
destination before Ned was back with it in his hand.

'You got my note,' said he gravely, as Somers entered, his face flushed
with the rapidity with which he had come.

'I have.'

'Don't go, Kate,' said he to his daughter, who with an inkling of what was
to follow, was stealing away. 'What I have to say relates to both of you.'

'Some time since,' said he, rising, and standing in front of Ned, 'I
wronged you, by making charges against you which I am now convinced were
false. My mind was poisoned by one who has gone to his lo