As I climbed the steep stairs, Joe Bacon's head came in view; he had stationed himself on a bench at the landing to watch for my arrival, of which he had been apprized by our satellite, Charles.

Joe was the first boy who had ever offered his arm as my escort home from a party.

After that event I had felt that there was something between us which the world did not understand.

I was flattered, therefore, at the first glimpse of him on this occasion.

When Dr.Snell made his opening prayer, Joe thrust a Bible before me, open at the lesson of the evening, and then, rubbing his nose with embarrassment, fixed his eyes with timid assurance on the opposite wall.