and we realize how much help
you can be to him; so we think--"

"In short," announced the first speaker, "we wish you to accompany your
father as his secretary; all expenses to be borne by the University.
Will you accept?"

"I--What do you mean?" gasped Bee, clasping her hands and breathing
quickly.

"Just what we say, Miss Beatrice. You have done a good work this summer,
and we believe that with your leaning toward science it would be of
great benefit to you and to ourselves also to send you with Doctor
Raymond to help him in his work. The faculty decided upon this move
unknown to your father, and have sent us as a committee to ask your
acceptance."

"My acceptance?" came from Bee in a sob as she turned blindly toward
her father. "Oh, father, father! you tell them."

"Gentlemen," said Doctor Raymond unsteadily, "in my daughter's name I
thank you. She accepts with pleasure, and will endeavor to discharge the
duties entrusted to her with faithfulness. As for myself--" He paused,
unable to finish.

"Nonsense, Raymond! you needed some one to look after you. We shall
expect the finest collection that is on this continent with her to help
you. It is for our benefit that we are doing this. Now let's settle some
of the details, if Miss Raymond is able to attend to them."

"Oh, yes;" laughed Bee through her tears. "I can do anything now."

Chapter XXVII

Ready for the Voyage

"Like unto ships far off at sea,
Outward or homeward bound, are we.

Ah! if our souls but poise and swing
Like the compass in its brazen ring,
Ever level and ever true
To the toil and task we have to do
We shall sail securely, and safely reach
The Fortunate Isles with their shining beach."

--_Longfellow._

The crystalline air, sparkling with the salt of the Atlantic, swept up
the bay and stirred the waters of the North River into restlessness,
causing the great steamer to tug impatiently at her moorings as though
anxious to begin the voyage. Upon the promenade deck of the vessel stood
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Raymond, Doctor Raymond, and the two cousins, Adele
and Beatrice; for the time of departure had come.

It still lacked some time of the hour for sailing, and Adele called
excited directions to Bee as they waited, or made hurried little
excursions to the other side of the boat to see what was taking place
there.

"You must keep my roses until the very last, Bee," she said. "And there
is a b