ng up gently to her door, and only
bethink me of my pledge when my hand is on the lock; and sometimes I even
doubt if she is here at all, and I am half crazy at fearing it may be all a
dream.

'One word for yourself, and I have done. Why have you not told us of the
examination? It was to have been on the 10th, and we are now at the 18th.
Have you got--whatever it was? the prize, or the medal, or--the reward, in
short, we were so anxiously hoping for? It would be such cheery tidings
for poor papa, who is very low and depressed of late, and I see him always
reading with such attention any notice of the college he can find in the
newspaper. My dear, dear brother, how you would work hard if you only knew
what a prize success in life might give you. Little as I have seen of her,
I could guess that she will never bestow a thought on an undistinguished
man. Come down for one day, and tell me if ever, in all your ambition, you
had such a goal before you as this?

'The hoggets I sent in to Tullamore fair were not sold; but I believe Miss
Betty's steward will take them; and, if so, I will send you ten pounds next
week. I never knew the market so dull, and the English dealers now are only
eager about horses, and I'm sure I couldn't part with any if I had them.
With all my love, I am your ever affectionate sister,

'KATE KEARNEY.'

'I have just stepped into Nina's room and stolen the photo I send you. I
suppose the dress must have been for some fancy ball; but she is a hundred
million times more beautiful. I don't know if I shall have the courage to
confess my theft to her.'

'Is that your sister, Dick?' said Joe Atlee, as young Kearney withdrew the
carte from the letter, and placed it face downwards on the breakfast-table.

'No,' replied he bluntly, and continued to read on; while the other, in the
spirit of that freedom that prevailed between them, stretched out his hand
and took up the portrait.

'Who is this?' cried he, after some seconds. 'She's an actress. That's
something like what the girl wears in _Don Caesar de Bazan_. To be sure, she
is Maritana. She's stunningly beautiful. Do you mean to tell me, Dick, that
there's a girl like that on your provincial boards?'

'I never said so, any more than I gave you leave to examine the contents of
my letters,' said the other haughtily.

'Egad, I'd have smashed the seal any day to have caught a glimpse of such
a face as that. I'll wager her eyes are blue grey. Will you have