isgivings of the previous night disappeared in the morning
sunshine. He shaved carefully and spent some time in the selection of
a tie. Over an excellent breakfast he arranged further explanations and
excuses for the appeasement of Mrs. Bowman.

He was still engaged on the task when he started to call on her.
Half-way to the house he arrived at the conclusion that he was looking
too cheerful. His face took on an expression of deep seriousness, only
to give way the next moment to one of the blankest amazement. In front
of him, and approaching with faltering steps, was Mr. Clark, and leaning
trustfully on his arm the comfortable figure of Mrs. Bowman. Her brow
was unruffled and her lips smiling.

"Beautiful morning," she said, pleasantly, as they met.

"Lovely!" murmured the wondering Mr. Tucker, trying, but in vain, to
catch the eye of Mr. Clark.

"I have been paying an early visit," said the widow, still smiling. "I
surprised you, didn't I, Nathaniel?"

"You did," said Mr. Clark, in an unearthly voice.

"We got talking about last night," continued the widow, "and Nathaniel
started pleading with me to give him another chance. I suppose that I
am softhearted, but he was so miserable--You were never so miserable in
your life before, were you, Nathaniel?"

"Never," said Mr. Clark, in the same strange voice.

"He was so wretched that at last I gave way," said Mrs. Bowman, with a
simper. "Poor fellow, it was such a shock to him that he hasn't got back
his cheerfulness yet."

Mr. Tucker said, "Indeed!"

"He'll be all right soon," said Mrs. Bowman, in confidential tones. "We
are on the way to put our banns up, and once that is done he will feel
safe. You are not really afraid of losing me again, are you, Nathaniel?"

Mr. Clark shook his head, and, meeting the eye of Mr. Tucker in the
process, favored him with a glance of such utter venom that the latter
was almost startled.

"Good-by, Mr. Tucker," said the widow, holding out her hand. "Nathaniel
did think of inviting you to come to my wedding, but perhaps it is best
not. However, if I alter my mind, I will get him to advertise for you
again. Good-by."

She placed her arm in Mr. Clark's again, and led him slowly away. Mr.
Tucker stood watching them for some time, and then, with a glance in the
direction of the "George," where he had left a very small portmanteau,
he did a hasty sum in comparative values and made his way to the
railway-station.

THE DREAME