changed, he scarcely remembered the funny little
girl who had been so devoted to him in the years gone by. A few days
after he arrived, his mother, in giving him the local news, mentioned
the charming acquaintance she had made of a young lady who lived in
the neighborhood. On hearing her name the young man exclaimed, "Why,
that must be Nellie!"

"Do you know her?" asked his mother in surprise.

"Of course I do, and many a jolly time I have had with her. Odd little
thing, ain't she?"

"I should not call her odd," remarked his mother.

"You do not know her as I do."

"Perhaps not. I suppose you will go with me when I return her visit."

"Certainly I will--just in for that sort of thing. A man feels the
need of some relaxation after a four years' bore, and there is nothing
like the society of the weaker sex to give the mind repose."

"Shocking boy!" said the fond mother with a smile.

In a short time the projected call was made.

"You will frighten her with all that finery, my handsome mother,"
remarked Danby as they walked to the carriage.

"I think she will survive it, but I shall not answer for the effect of
those brilliant kids of yours."

"The feminine eye is caught by display," said her son sententiously.

They chatted as they drove rapidly through the forest to the old
house, entered the front gate and rolled up the broad avenue.

"I had no idea the place looked so well," remarked Danby, _en
connaisseur_, as they approached. "I always entered by the back way;"
and he gave his moustache a final twirl.

After a loud knock from a vigorous hand the door was opened by a small
servant, much resembling Nellie some four years before. Danby was
going to speak to her, but recalling the time that had elapsed, he
knew it could not be she. All within was altered. Three rooms
_en suite_, the last of which was the library, had been carefully
refurnished. He looked about him. Could this be the place in which he
had passed so many days? But he forgot all in the figure that advanced
to receive them. With a pretty grace she gave her hand to his mother
and welcomed "Mr. Overbeck." How she talked--talked like a babbling
brook! It was now his turn to open big eyes and be silent. He tried
to recall the girl he had left. Vain endeavor! This bright creature,
grave and gay, silent but ready, respectful yet confident, how could
he follow her? The visit came to an end, but was repeated again and
again by Danby, and each time w