will be any danger."

Quincy knew by this remark that Huldy had told 'Zekiel the facts of the
case, but he maintained his composure and said, "Any time you wish to
go, Miss Pettengill, I am at your service."

As they arose from the table 'Zekiel said to his uncle, "I am coming up
in your room to-night, Uncle Ike, to see you."

Quincy knew by this that the pleasant chat in the dining-room beside the
fireplace was to be omitted that evening, so he went up to his own room
and read until it was time to retire.

Quincy was up early next morning. He knew his uncle could not live long,
but he wished to take the trained nurse to Eastborough Centre, so he
might have the best of care during the short time left to him on earth.

He found 'Zekiel at the breakfast table, and beyond a few commonplace
remarks the meal was eaten in silence.

"Are you going to Eastborough Centre to-day, Mr. Sawyer?" asked 'Zekiel.

"Yes," said Quincy; "I intended to go just as soon as one of the boys
could get the team ready."

"I'll speak to Jim about it," said 'Zekiel. "If you will step into the
parlor, Mr. Sawyer, I would like to have a few minutes' talk with you."

'Zekiel went out into the barn and Quincy walked into the parlor, where
he found a bright fire burning on the hearth. He threw himself into an
easy-chair and awaited 'Zekiel's return. What was up? Could 'Zekiel and
Huldy have parted, and was 'Zekiel glad of it? Quincy, as the saying is,
passed a "bad quarter of an hour," for he did not like suspense. The
truth, however bitter or unpalatable, was better than uncertainty.

'Zekiel entered the room and took a seat opposite to Quincy. He bent
forward and placed his hands upon his knees.

"Mr. Sawyer," said he, "I am a man of few words, so I will come right
to the point. Huldy Mason and me are engaged to be married."

Quincy was equal to the occasion. He arose, stepped forward, and
extended his hand. 'Zekiel rose also and grasped it unhesitatingly.
Quincy said, "Accept my most sincere congratulations, Mr. Pettengill. I
have known Miss Mason but a short time, but any man ought to be proud of
her and happy in her love."

"Thank you, Mr. Sawyer," said 'Zekiel; "I agree with you in both the
particulars you've mentioned, but both of us have what we consider good
reasons for not having our engagement known in the village just at
present, and to keep it a secret we need the assistance of a mutual
friend."

"If I might aspire to that h