fairy-land retreats; and if we can be happy any where, it is there.

We said that Verty and Redbud entered, hand in hand, and this may
serve to show that the young pupil of Miss Lavinia had not profited
much by the lessons of her mentor.

In truth, Redbud began to return to her childhood, which she had
promised herself to forget; and, as a result of this change of
feeling, she became again the friend and playfellow of her childhood's
friend, and lost sight, completely, of the "young lady" theory. True,
she did not run on, as the phrase is, with Verty, as in the old
days--her manner had far more softness in it--she was more quiet and
reserved; but still, those constrained, restless looks were gone, and
when Verty laughed, the winning smile came to the little face; and the
small hand which he had taken was suffered to rest quietly in his own.

They strolled under the trees, and Verty picked up some of the long
yellow-rinded apples, which, lay upon the ground under the trees, and
offered them to Redbud.

"I didn't want the apples," he said, smiling, "I wanted to see you,
Redbud, for I've not felt right since you went away. Oh, it's been so
long--so long!"

"Only a few days," said Redbud, returning the smile.

"But you know a few days is a very long time, when you want to see
anybody very much."

Redbud returned his frank smile, and said, with a delicious little