WILLARD PERCIVAL.
"Dear Sir,--If you can spare an hour this evening to talk with me on a subject of importance, you will greatly oblige yours, "Very respectfully, "LILA DELANO" A servant was sent with the note, and directed to admit no gentleman during the day or evening, without first bringing up his name.
While they were lingering at the tea-table, the door-bell rang, and Flora, with a look of alarm, started to run up stairs.

"Wait a moment, till the name is brought in," said her friend.

"If I admit the visitor, I should like to have you follow me to the parlor, and remain there ten or fifteen minutes.

You can then go to your room, and when you are there, dear, be careful not to sing loud.

Mr.Fitzgerald shall not take you from me; but if he were to find out you were here, it might give rise to talk that would be unpleasant." The servant announced Mr.Willard Percival; and a few moments afterward Mrs.Delano introduced her _protegee_.