a year, but he did not spend fifty upon her.

My mother was never allowed to have any money, and could not help
herself. She was continually told that her mind was disordered,
especially when she spoke of her husband's property and her son.

This was the substance of my mother's story, and I readily supplied what
was wanting. My uncle had gone with me to the cottage on Lake Adieno,
and Tom Thornton had taken possession of the property. The will had
simply been kept out of sight.

"Mother, you are safe now," was my oft-repeated remark to her.

"I know that I am; and I thank God for giving me such a noble and
devoted son," was her reply.

We enjoyed every day of the passage in talking over the past and the
future. I told her everything I had ever done and said with the utmost
minuteness. I described my life at the cottage, my excursions on the
lake, all my friends, and related the history of "Breaking Away." In
twelve days we reached New York. As soon as we had taken rooms at a
hotel, I hastened with my mother to see Kate Loraine.

"O, Ernest Thornton! I am so glad to see you!" exclaimed she.

"My mother, Kate," I replied proudly.

"I am so delighted!" cried Kate, seizing her hand. "Now you must tell me
all about it, Ernest Thornton."

I told her all about it, and she wondered, ejaculated, and wept.

"Mrs. Thornton, your son is the best boy in all the world, and I love
him--I love him as though he were my own brother," said she, warmly.

"I am very proud of him," replied my mother, as she smiled upon me.

"All right," I added, feeling my cheeks glow. "What has happened, Kate,
since I went away."

"Mr. Windleton has returned, and Uncle Freeman is to be my guardian. He
had a very disagreeable meeting with Mrs. Loraine, but she cannot help
herself."

We spent the evening at the house, and the next day we started for
Parkville. How my heart beat when the carriage in which we rode over
from Romer passed the cottage of my uncle! We went to the house of Mr.
Hale first.

"Bob, my dear fellow!" I exclaimed, when he entered the room; and in
spite of boyish prejudices against the operation, I could not help
hugging him. "My mother, Bob," I added, before he had time to say
anything.

"I am glad to see you, Ernest--upon my word I am. I am happy to meet
you," he added, bowing to my mother.

She took his hand, and told him she knew him as her son's best friend.
Mr. Hale soon made his appearance, and gave us a hearty