here, though the very ones I should prefer above all others as _compagnons
de voyage_."

It was Philip Ross, Jr.

Neither of those addressed had ever enjoyed his society, and they were too
sincere and true to reciprocate his expressions of gratification at the
unexpected meeting. They accepted his offered hand, made kind inquiries in
regard to his health and that of the other members of the family, and
asked if any of them were on board.

"No," he said, "it's merely a business trip that I take quite frequently.
But ma and the girls are in Paris now, went last June and expect to stay
for another six months or longer. You two aren't here alone, eh?"

"Yes," Edward said.

"You don't say so!" cried Philip, elevating his eyebrows. "Who'd ever have
believed your careful mother--not to speak of your grandfather--would ever
trust you so far from home by yourselves!"

"Mr. Ross," Edward said, reddening, "I shall reach my majority a few
months hence, and have been considered worthy of trust by both mother and
grandpa, for years past."

"Mamma did not show the slightest hesitation in committing me to his
care," added Elsie in her sweet, gentle tones.

"Glad to hear it! didn't mean any insinuation that I didn't consider you
worthy of all trust, Ned; only that Mrs. Travilla and the old governor