t all
scarlet, russet, yellow, and crimson. That would be the view. You
would hear the crickets chirping, crows cawing, and squirrels barking
in the woods."

"How delightful! I know I should revel in such beauty."

"You asked me, Miss Newville, which season I liked best. I think, all
things considered, I enjoy autumn more than any other portion of the
year."

"May I ask why you like it best?"

"Because it is the harvest-time, when we gather the gifts of
Providence; and it sets me to thinking I ought to be doing something
for somebody in return for what Providence is doing for me."

Her eyes were watching his lips.

"Oh, go on, please, Mr. Walden, and tell me what the seasons say to
you."

"I hardly know what they say, but the change from the brightness of
summer to the russet of autumn, the falling leaves, ripening fruits,
fading flowers, shortening days, the going of the birds are like a
sermon to me."

"And why are they like a sermon?" she asked.

"Because the birds will come, the flowers bloom again, but the summer
that has gone never will return; the opportunities of to-day will not
be here to-morrow. I must make the most of the present, not only for
myself but for others. Providence bestows rich gifts; I must give to
others."

"Thank you, Mr. Walden."

She was silent. None of the officers, not Major Evelyn or any of the
captains of his majesty's troops, ever had uttered such words in her
presence. Oh, could she but know if he were the one who rescued her
from the hands of the miscreants! She must know.

"Mr. Walden, may I ask if we have not met before?"

"I think we have, Miss Newville."

"I thought so, but was not sure. May I say I cannot tell you how
grateful I am for the service you rendered me yesterday. I never shall
forget it. I have not mentioned it, not even to my parents, for I
would not have them concerned in the future for my welfare."

"I can understand how anxious they might be, and I appreciate your
prudence. The incident, I understand, is making some stir in town,
especially among the soldiers. Doctor Warren has just informed me of
it, and was kind enough to say it would be well for me to be on my
guard, as the soldiers threaten retaliation. I learn, also, that no
one as yet has been able to discover who the young lady was. People
are wondering that no complaint has been made to the proper
authorities by her or her friends."

"Oh, I am so glad that no one knows it except oursel