out it as we do?" asked
Matthew.

The look of dismay began to appear again in Valentine's face. "Have you
told Zack, yet?" he inquired, nervously and eagerly.

"No," said Mat; "and don't _you!_ When Zack's on his legs again, he's
going to take a voyage, and get a season's hunting along with me in the
wild country over the water. I'm as fond of the lad as if he was a bit
of my own flesh and blood. I cottoned to him when he hit out so hearty
for me at the singing-shop--and we've been brothers together ever since.
You mightn't think it, to look at me; but I've spared Zack's father for
Zack's sake; and I don't ask no more reward for it than to take the lad
a hunting for a season or two along with me. When he comes back home
again, and we say Good-bye, I'll tell him all what's happened; but
I won't risk bringing so much as a cross look into his eyes now, by
dropping a word to him of what's passed betwixt his father and me."

Although this speech excited no little surprise and interest in
Valentine's mind, it did not succeed in suspending the anxieties which
had been awakened in him by Matthew's preceding question, and which he
now began to feel the necessity of confiding to Mrs. Blyth--his grand
counselor in all difficulties, and unfailing comforter in all troubles.

"Do you mind waiting here," he said, "while I go upstairs, and break
the news to my wife? Without her advice I don't know what to do
about communicating our discovery to the poor dear child. Do you mind
waiting?"

No: Matthew would willingly wait. Hearing this, Mr. Blyth left the room
directly.

He remained away a long time. When he came back, his face did not seem
to have gained in composure during his absence.

"My wife has told me of another discovery," he said, "which her motherly
love for our adopted daughter enabled her to make some time since. I
have been sadly surprised and distressed at hearing of it. But I need
say no more on the subject to you, than that Mrs. Blyth has at once
decided me to confide nothing to Madonna--to Mary, I ought to say--until
Zack has got well again and has left England. When I heard just now,
from you, of his projected voyage, I must confess I saw many objections
to it. They have all been removed by what my wife has told me. I
heartily agree with her that the best thing Zack can do is to make the
trip he proposes. You are willing to take care of him; and I honestly
believe that we may safely trust him with you."

A se