There, now I am ready," and seating herself at a safe distance from him, Alice waited for him to commence.
She grew tired of waiting, and turning her lustrous eyes upon him, said gently: "You seem unhappy about something.

Is it because Adah leaves to-morrow?
I am sorry, too; sorry for me, sorry for you; but, Hugh, I will do what I can to fill her place.

I will be the sister you need so much.

Don't look so wretched; it makes me feel badly to see you." Alice's sympathy was getting the better of her again, and she moved her stool a little nearer to Hugh, while she involuntarily laid her hand upon his knee.

That decided him; and while his heart throbbed almost to bursting, he began by saying: "I am in rather a gloomy mood to-night, I'll admit.