; so if you knows how
ole Marse Andrew is, you knows how ole Aunt Judy is."

These interesting reminiscences were interrupted by Alex and her
grandfather, who stopped at the door to welcome their neighbors back,
as the judge explained, his fine old face beaming with friendliness.

"What do you think Caroline is going to say when she finds us all
friends of the shop, Judge?" asked plain-spoken Mrs. Leigh.

"I am of the opinion that even Mrs. Millard will be unable to hold out
against it very long. You know she hasn't had our opportunities," was
the reply. "I have some new books to show you,--or some old ones,
rather,--Miss Norah," the judge added.

* * * * *

Norah had been sitting alone in the south window for some time when
Marion joined her.

"Where have you been? and what is that small green book you are
carrying about?" Norah asked.

Marion put it into her hand; as she did so, a paper fluttered out and
fell to the floor. Stooping for it, Norah's quick eyes read
involuntarily,

"I love her whether she love me or no,"

and something told her it was the valentine of last winter.

Marion's fingers closed over it. "Charlotte brought me the book," she
explained; "but don't try to read by this light."

"I shall not read much; I want to see what it is."

There was silence for some minutes; then Norah put an arm around her
friend. "Marion, I have been thinking I'd ask Alex to be my partner
when you go." Try as she would, there was a little break on that last
word.

"Why, Norah!"

"No, let me finish. You know a shop is not the station to which you
are called, dear. I see clearly that the fairy prince is coming, and
there is no reason why he should not." Norah pressed her cheek against
Marion's. "Do you realize this is the anniversary of our coming here?"

"It seems to me you are very ready to give me up," said Marion.

"Oh, Marion!"

"Forgive me, dear, I know you aren't. That was not fair. But I don't
know--I can't talk about it now. I feel drawn two ways, and I am
jealous of Alex when I think of her in my place."

"I don't want you to be altogether glad, but I am proud of what the
shop has done for you. And of course I have known all along it could
not last. We have had a good time, haven't we?"

"And it is not over yet," Marion said, pressing the hand she held.
"There is one thing that perplexes me. The time has come for
explanations, I suppose, and the situat