ed the feminine inconsistency, and
himself entered, with what spirit he might, into the children's game.
"Going to Siberia" laid siege to all the rooms in the upper story. It
was a mad rush on Fairfax's part, little Gardiner held in his arms,
pursued by Bella as a wolf. It was a tear over beds and chairs, around
tables,--a wild, screaming, excited journey, ending at last in the
farthest room in the middle of the children's bed, where, one after
another, they were thrown by the big cousin. The game was enriched by
Fairfax's description of Russia and the steppes and the plains. But on
this day Bella insisted that Gardiner, draped in a hearthrug, be the
wolf, and that Fairfax carry her "because her heart ached." And if
Gardiner's growls and baying failed to give the usual zest to the sport,
the carrying by Fairfax of Bella was a new emotion! The twining round
his neck of soft arms, the confusion of dark hair against his face, the
flower-like breath on his cheeks, Bella's excitement of sighs and cries
and giggles gave the game, for one player at least, fresh charm. Chased
by Ann back into the studio, the play-mates fell on the sofa, worn out
and happy; but, in the momentary calm, a little cousin on either side of
him, the poor young man felt the cruel return of his own miseries and
his own crisis.

"Misther Fairfax," said the Irish woman, "did the childhren give ye the
letter what come to-day? I thawt Miss Bella'd not mind it, what wid
funnerals and tearin' like a mad thing over the house!" (Ann's reproof
was for Fairfax.) "Yez'll be the using up of little Gardiner, sir, the
both of ye. The letther's forbye the clock. I putt it there m'self."

Fairfax, to whom no news could be but welcome, limped over to the
mantel, where, by the clock, he perceived a letter addressed to him on
big paper in a small, distinguished hand. He tore it open, Ann lit the
gas, and he read--

"DEAR MR. FAIRFAX,

"I have not answered your letter because I was so unfortunate as to
have lost your address. Learning last night that you are a nephew
of Mr. Carew, and sure of a response if I send this to his care, I
write to ask that you will come in to see me to-day at three
o'clock.

"Yours sincerely,
"GUNNER CEDERSHOLM."

Fairfax gave an exclamation that was almost a cry, and looked at the
clock. It was past four!

"When did this letter come?" His nerves were on end, his cheeks pale.

Bella sat fo