talk all evening about how provoking it is, and how I hate to
change my plans, and say I am afraid I shall lose you if I have to
put off our wedding to teach the school, and things like that,"
Nancy Ellen turned a flushed sparkling face to Robert, smiling
quizzically, "and to-morrow I shall go early to see Serena
Woodruff, who is a fine scholar and a good teacher, but missed her
school in the spring by being so sick she was afraid to contract
for it. She is all right now, and she will be delighted to have
the school, and when I know she will take it then I shall just
happen to think of her in a day or two and I'll suggest her, after
I've wailed a lot more; and Father will go to see her of his own
accord, and it will all be settled as easy as falling off a chunk,
only I shall not get on so fast with my sewing, because of having
to help Mother; but I shall do my best, and everything will be all
right."

The spot was secluded. Robert Gray stopped to tell Nancy Ellen
what a wonderful girl she was. He said he was rather afraid of
such diplomacy. He foresaw clearly that he was going to be a
managed man. Nancy Ellen told him of course he was, all men were,
the thing was not to let them know it. Then they laughed and
listened to a wood robin singing out his little heart in an
evening song that was almost as melodious as his spring
performances had been.



THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER

EARLY in the morning Kate set her young nephew on the gate-post to