she brought it back.

But the hour of dinner drew near; and a smell began to pervade the house
which aroused Harson at last. He sat up in his chair and smacked his lips;
and Spite, who for an undue curiosity as to the contents of a small pasty,
exhibited early in the day, had been escorted into the room by the
house-keeper aided by a broomstick, sat under the same chair licking his
lips and slavering profusely.

Again the red face of the house-keeper was projected in the room, and as
instantly withdrawn. It wanted half an hour to the time. In and out again;
it wanted twenty-five minutes. In and out again; twenty minutes. The
matter was growing serious, and there was something frantic in her looks.
But this time Harson caught her, and told her that it was time to put an
end to that performance, as he expected his friends every minute; that she
must guess as to the time; and that he would ring when she was to serve
the dinner.

A rap at the door! and before it could be answered, a heavy step crossed
the ante-chamber.

'There's Frank,' said Harson, rising and facing the door; and in came the
doctor. But he was not alone; for close behind him followed Ned Somers,
dressed in his best. Harry shook hands with them; but before he had time
to do more than that, Jacob Rhoneland entered with Kate on his arm,
looking very rosy from her walk.

What could it be that caused Ned's heart to flounce and dance about as
wildly as a caged bird; and his cheek to grow at first pale, and then
burning hot; and his lips to quiver, and his voice to tremble so that he
could scarcely speak; and for a moment was unable even to tell Kate that
he was glad to see her? Whatever the complaint was, it was infectious; for
Kate's heart certainly did beat very rapidly; and her color went and came,
until it settled into a deep burning blush, as she turned and saw Ned
there, looking at her as if he had eyes for nothing else.

'Good morning Mr. Somers,' said she, at last, in a tone that was neither
firm nor clear.

'Call me Ned, Kate,' said he in a low voice; 'don't say _Mr._ Somers. Wont
you shake hands with me? There can be no harm in that.' He extended his
hand; she placed hers in it, and at the same time whispered in his ear,
(for Harry, seeing that there was some by-play going on, kept Jacob busy,)
'Speak to father as if nothing had happened. I think he's inclined to make
up. _Do_, Ned.'

Turning from him, she commenced talking to the Doctor, whil