he house and finding that the object of his
thoughts was in his bedroom, he went on to the study just as Maria came
from the front door with a letter.

"Letter, eh? Oh, I see. From Lady Danby!"

The doctor opened the letter.

"Any one waiting!" he said.

"Yes, sir. Groom waiting for an answer."

"I'll ring, Maria," said the doctor, and then he smiled and looked
pleased. "There, my deaf," he cried, tossing the note to his daughter.
"Now I call that very kind and neighbourly. You see, Sir James and Lady
Danby feel and appreciate the fine manly conduct of Dexter over that
cattle, and they very wisely think that he not only deserves great
commendation, but that the present is a favourable opportunity for
beginning an intimacy and companionship."

"Yes, papa," said Helen, with rather a troubled look.

"Danby sees that he was wrong, and is holding out the right hand of good
fellowship. Depend upon it that we shall have a strong tie between
those two boys. They will go to a public school together, help one
another with their studies, and become friends for life. Hah! Yes.
Sit down, my dear," continued the doctor, rubbing his hands. "My kind
regards to Sir James and Lady Danby, that I greatly appreciate their
kindness, and that Dexter shall come and spend the day with Edgar on
Friday."

Helen wrote the note, which was despatched, and the doctor smiled, and
looked highly satisfied.

"You remember how obstinate Sir James was about boys?"

"Yes, papa. I heard a part of the conversation, and you told me the
rest."

"To be sure. You see my selection was right. Dexter behaved like a
little hero over that adventure."

"Yes," said Helen; "he was as brave as could be."

"Exactly. All justification of my choice. I don't want to prophesy,
Helen, but there will be a strong friendship between those boys from
that day. Edgar, the weak, well-born boy, will always recognise the
manly confidence of Dexter, the er--er, well, low-born boy, who in turn
will have his sympathies aroused by his companion's want of--er--well,
say, ballast."

"Possibly, papa."

"My dear Helen, don't speak like that," said the doctor pettishly. "You
are so fond of playing wet blanket to all my plans."

"Oh no, papa; I am sure I will help you, and am helping you, in all
this, but it is not in my nature to be so sanguine."

"Ah, well, never mind that. But you do like Dexter!"

"Yes; I am beginning to like him more and more."

"T