of her first tooth. To all of which he listened
with a praiseworthy attention, giving at least silence, which was
doubtless all the answer Emma required.

But Agatha, whose sympathy in these things was, as before said, at
present small, grew half ashamed, half vexed, and finally rather
angry--especially when she saw the pale weariness that gradually
overspread Mr. Harper's face. More than once she hinted that he should
have the armchair, or lie down, or rest in some way; but he took not the
least notice; sitting immovably in his place, which happened to be next
herself, and vaguely looking across the table towards Mrs. Thornycroft.

At nine o'clock, becoming paler than ever, he bestirred himself, and
talked of leaving.

"I ought to be going too. It is not far, and as our roads agree, I will
walk with you," said Agatha, simply.

He seemed surprised--so much so, that she almost blushed, and would
have retracted, save for the consciousness of her own frank and kindly
purpose. She had watched him closely, and felt convinced that he had
been more injured than he confessed; so in her generous straightforward
fashion, she wanted to "take care of him," until he was safe at his
brother's door, which she could see from her own. And her solitary
education had been conducted on such unworldly principles, that she
never thought there was anything remarkable or improper in her proposing
to walk home with a young man, whom she knew she could trust in every
way, and who was besides Major Harper's brother.

Nor did even the matronly Mrs. Thornycroft object to the plan--save that
it took her visitors away so early. "Surely," she added, "you can't be
tired out already."

Agatha had an ironical answer on the very tip of her tongue: but
something in the clear, "good" eye of Nathanael repressed her little
wickedness. So she only whispered to Emma that for various reasons she
had wished to return early.

"Very well, dear, since you must go, I am sure Mr. Harper will be most
happy to escort you."

"If not, I hope he will just say so," added Agatha, very plainly.

He smiled; and his full, soft grey eye, fixed on hers, had an
earnestness which haunted her for many a day. She began heartily to
like Major Harper's brother, though only as his brother, with a sort
of reflected regard, springing from that she felt for her guardian and
friend.

This consciousness made her manner perfectly easy, cheerful, and kind,
even though they were i