"You, I should have known from Clarence's description--you are his little Birdie ?" She did not reply--her lip quivered, and she pressed Emily's hand and kissed her.

"He is impatient to see you," resumed Emily, "and if you are so disposed, we will go up immediately." "I will remain here," observed Mr.Bates, "unless Mr.Garie particularly desires to see me.

My daughter will accompany you." Emily took the hand of little Birdie in her own, and they walked together up the stairway.

"You must not be frightened at his appearance," she remarked, tearfully, "he is greatly changed." Little Birdie only shook her head--her heart seemed too full for speech--and she stepped on a little faster, keeping her hand pressed on her breast all the while.
When they reached the door, Emily was about to open it, but her companion stopped her, by saying: "Wait a moment--stop! How my heart beats--it almost suffocates me." They paused for a few moments to permit little Birdie to recover from her agitation, then throwing open the door they advanced into the room.
"Clarence!" said his sister.

He did not answer; he was looking down into the garden.