ek or two before the walk was taken to Deerford and
the books bought. At the end of those weeks the waste
afternoon fell out, and Mr. Glanbally got Winthrop a ride in a
wagon for one half the way. Deerford was quite a place; but to
Winthrop its great attraction was -- a Latin dictionary! He
found the right bookstore, and his dollar was duly exchanged
for a second-hand Virgil, a good deal worn, and a dictionary,
which had likewise seen its best days; and that was not saying
much; for it was of very bad paper and in most miserable
little type. But it was a precious treasure to Winthrop. His
heart yearned after some Greek books, but his hand was stayed;
there was nothing more in it. He had only got the Virgil and
dictionary by favour eking out his eight shillings, for the
books were declared to be worth ten. So he trudged off home
again with his purchases under his arm, well content. That
Virgil and dictionary were a guide of the way for a good piece
of the mountain. Now to get up it.

He had got home and was turning the books over with Mr.
Glanbally, just in the edge of the evening, when the door
opened quick and a little female figure came in. She came
close up to the table with the air of one quite at home.

"Good evening, Mr. Glanbally -- father told me to give you this
letter."

Winthrop looked at her, and Mr. Glanbally looked at the
letter. She was a slight little figure, a child, not more than
thirteen or fourteen at the outside, perhaps not so much, but
tall of her age. A face not like those of the Asphodel
children. She did not once look towards him.

"Why I thought you were in Mannahatta, Miss Elizabeth."

"Just going there -- we have just come from Little River on our
way."

"This letter is for you, Winthrop," said Mr. Glanbally,
handing it over. "And Mr. Haye was kind enough to bring it
from Little River?"

"Yes sir -- he said it was for somebody here."

"And now you are going to Mannahatta?"

"Yes sir -- to-morrow. Good bye, Mr. Glanbally."

"Are you alone, Miss Elizabeth?"

"Yes sir."

"Where is Miss Cadwallader?"

"She's at home. I've just been down to see nurse."

"But it's too late for you," said Mr. Glanbally, getting up, --
"it's too dark -- it's too late for you to go home alone."

"O no sir, I'm not afraid."

"Stop, I'll go with you," said Mr. Glanbally, -- "but I've been
riding till I'm as stiff as the tongs -- Winthrop, are you too
tired to walk home with this young lady? --