ned face. What I did, you know. I cannot tell how it was done; did
not dream who the person was. Now, I long to fall upon my knees and
thank God."

Caroline clasped the hands which had fallen to her lap, bent her head,
and unspoken words of thanksgiving trembled in her heart. The man looked
upon her eagerly. That gentle glow of devotion gave her face the
sweetness of a madonna.

He thought this, and almost dropped the oars, the longing to fall down
upon his knees by her side was so intense.

She saw this, understood it, and smiled for the first time.

"I was asking God to forgive me for being grateful to you before I
thought of Him."

"And I was asking Him to make me grateful enough for having saved you.
Surely that should bring his blessing on us both."

Caroline bent her head, and a sweet smile crept over her lips. Then she
bethought herself of the things of this world, and grew troubled.

"But I am taking you from your course. Forgive me!"

"From my course? Not so. It was for this purpose I come. Perhaps you are
not informed that I am to make your Italian more perfect than it is,
which is scarcely needed."

"You sir!--you?"

She said no more, but her face lighted up, and he saw her hands softly
clasp themselves, as if she were thanking God over again. Then his own
head bent forward, and he made a great effort with the oars, but it was
only to hide the smile that broke over it.

So up the little river these two people went more and more slowly, for
the stillness and the beauty were pleasant beyond anything, and both
dreaded the moment when this delicious happiness would end. But they
reached the steps at last, and there was Mr. Brown and Eliza, on the
lower terrace, in great trouble.

They had missed her and the boat. Dreading they scarcely knew what
danger, both were anxious to follow her, but they had no means. Thus an
hour of keen anxiety had passed, while they stood watching the river.

"There is your father, looking anxious," said the young man. "I hope he
has not suffered much."

Caroline did not answer him, but sprang to the steps and ran up them,
holding out her hands.

"My child! my dear, dear child!" cried Brown, throwing both arms around
her.

He often used endearing terms like this when much affected, and she
thought nothing of it, but kissed his face, and kissed Eliza also, who
scolded her terribly, as was her habit when disturbed by a sudden fit of
tenderness--a state of feeling she