to inquire about
something; and at last he said, abruptly,--

"Charley, what shall I say to my sister?"

"Say to her, Regnie? Why, that you are delighted to see her, of course.
You may add that you come to make her wealthy; that is not likely to
hurt your reception," said La Salle, philosophically.

"Yes, of course I know that; but--but about you, Charley. You know what
Randall said about--about her--"

"About her being married, do you mean? Why, my dear boy, say nothing. I
am resigned, and, I may say, almost glad that it is so. Neither was it
altogether an unexpected announcement, for I felt long ago that my first
impressions upon her susceptible heart had faded with lapse of time and
a low state of the exchequer. No, no, boy! be kind and loving to her,
for she has not your firmness of soul or depth of affection. I carry you
to her as my marriage gift. Is it agreed?"

"It is, Charley; and you will not let the caprice of a girl separate me
from my friend--will you, La Salle?"

"Regnie," answered the other, not without a touch of tenderness in his
tone, "the bonds which connect us are not the ties of passion, or the
calm preferences of the selfish world. We met amid a gathering of savage
and half-civilized men, and our acquaintance has ripened into friendship
amid many dangers and strange experiences. A doubtful and dangerous
quest still lies before you. I hope that you will not undertake it
without me to accompany you."

"You, of all men, are the one I should choose, and we will set out this
very summer to carry out my father's wishes;" and during the rest of
their journey little was talked of but their future expedition into the
interior of Newfoundland.

At Baltimore La Salle and his friend went to the home of the former, and
were received as men from the dead. Of course the papers were full of
sketches of their strange adventure, and wood-cuts of icebergs and seals
covered the paper-stands for a week; and then a horrible murder, and a
delicious bit of scandal in high life, closed the brief notoriety of the
friends.

Two visits were paid during the first week of their return. Both called
on the day of their arrival at Mrs. Randall's, and La Salle sent up his
card. After waiting a while, that lady, who was not without misgivings
as to what might be said about her matchmaking proclivities, sailed into
the room very richly dressed, and rather red in the face.

"I am happy to see you, Mr. La Salle, and to know