And as for school," she added, "it strikes me it would be a good thing for her to go back there--after awhile." Dora thought this a good opinion, but before she could say anything on the subject, she lifted her eyes, and beheld Ralph Haverley walking down the street toward them.

He was striding along at a fine pace, and looked as if he enjoyed it.
"I declare," ejaculated Miss Bannister, "here he is himself.

We shall meet him." "He?
who ?" and Miss Panney looked from side to side of the road, and the moment she saw the young man, she smiled.
It pleased her that Dora should speak of him as "he," showing that the brother was in her mind when they had been talking of the sister.
Miss Panney drew up to the sidewalk, and Ralph stopped.
He was greatly pleased with the cordial greeting he received from the two ladies.

These Thorbury people were certainly very sociable and kind-hearted.

The sunlight was on Dora's soul now, and it sparkled in her eyes.
"It was my other hand that I gave you when I met you before," she said, with a charming smile.
"Yes," said Ralph, also with a smile, "and I think I held it an uncommonly long time." "Indeed you did," said Dora; and they both laughed.
Miss Panney listened in surprise.
"You two seem to know each other better than I supposed," she said.