stranger, asked him to be seated in the large stuffed chair which stood
before the cheerful blazing fire. In a few moments he had introduced
himself, told his business and inquired for Mr. Middleton.

"My husband is absent," said Mrs. Middleton, "but he will be at home
tonight and we shall be glad to have you remain with us till tomorrow at
least, and as much longer as you like, for I think Mr. Middleton will be
glad to assist you in getting a school."

Mr. Wilmot accepted the invitation and then looked round the room to see
if the interior of the house corresponded with the exterior, It did not,
for the room, though large, was very comfortable. The floor was covered
with a bright-colored home-made carpet. In one corner stood a bed, the
counterpane of which was as white as snow, and the curtains of the windows
were of the same hue. In another corner was a small bookcase, well filled
with books and on a stand near a window were several house plants.

He concluded that the books and the plants were the property of the young
lady, whom Mrs. Middleton introduced to him as her eldest daughter Julia.
She was an intelligent-looking girl, and Mr. Wilmot instantly felt
interested in her, but when he attempted to converse with her, she stole
quietly out of the room, leaving her mother to entertain the visitor.

At last supper was brought in by old Aunt Judy, who courtesied so low to
the "young marster," that she upset the coffee pot, the contents of which
fell upon a spaniel, which lay before the fire. The outcries of the dog
brought Miss Julia from the kitchen, and this time she was accompanied by
her younger sister, Fanny, who together with Julia and Aunt Judy, lamented
over the wounded animal.