ney. But at any
rate I can assure you that I should be delighted to see you present
on the occasion, and so would Maria. If you can't come, write to me,
at any rate, in memory of old times. It is just possible that during
our bridal tour--we are to go to the White Mountains for a week--we
shall call on you. Let me know if it will be convenient for you to
receive us for a day.

"Your affectionate nephew,
"FERDINAND B. KENSINGTON."

Miss Deborah read this letter like one dazed. She had to read it a
second time before she could comprehend its purport.

"Ferdinand going to be married! He never said a word about it when
he was here. And he don't say a word about Californy. Then again he
says he hasn't seen me for years. Merciful man! I see it now--the
other fellow was an impostor!" exclaimed Miss Deborah, jumping, to
her feet in excitement. "What did he want to deceive an old woman
for?"

It flashed upon her at once. He came after money, and he had
succeeded only too well. He had carried away four hundred and fifty
dollars with him. True, he had left a note, and security. But
another terrible suspicion had entered the old lady's mind; the ring
might not be genuine.

"I must know at once," exclaimed the disturbed spinster. "I'll go
over to Brandon, to the jeweller's, and inquire. If it's paste,
then, Deborah Kensington, you're the biggest fool in Centreville."

Miss Deborah summoned Abner, her farm servant from the field, and
ordered him instantly to harness the horse, as she wanted to go to
Brandon.

"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Abner.

"To be sure, I can't drive so fur, and take care of the horse."

"It'll interrupt the work," objected Abner.

"Never mind about the work," said Deborah, impatiently. "I must go
right off. It's on very important business."

"Wouldn't it be best to go after dinner?"

"No, we'll get some dinner over there, at the tavern."

"What's got into the old woman?" thought Abner. "It isn't like her
to spend money at a tavern for dinner, when she might as well dine at
home. Interruptin' the work, too! However, it's her business!"

Deborah was ready and waiting when the horse drove up the door. She
got in, and they set out. Abner tried to open a conversation, but he
found Miss Deborah strangely unsocial. She appeared to take no
interest in the details of farm work of which he spoke.

"Something's on her mind, I guess," thought Abner; and, as we