Leah's face flushed crimson, and her eye sparkled more brightly than
ever at these flattering words of the young cadet; but she made no
reply.

"Come, Helen, let's go," at length said the brother. "The horses are
impatient. C‘sar is wet, and I guess you are tired, too." Then,
turning to Leah, he continued, "Miss Mordecai, will you honor us
with your company till we reach your father's house, where I pledge
myself to deposit you safely?"

"Oh! yes, Leah will go; I have already asked her," said Helen. Then,
after a moment's preparation, the two young friends stepped into the
carriage.

"Good-by again, girls," said Bertha Levy gayly, as the coach door
closed; "riding is rather better than walking, such a day as this.
Remember to-morrow night." Then, with a dash, the carriage was out
of sight.

"Well, Lizzie," resumed Bertha, smiling significantly, for she could
not but observe Helen's manifest preference in offering Leah a seat
with her, "we need not stand here any longer. I see that the rain,
out of consideration for us, is about to cease, and I don't think
any coach is coming for me. Do you expect one?"

To this characteristic remark, Lizzie Heartwell replied smilingly,
"I guess, Bertha, with umbrellas, overshoes, and care, we can reach
home without serious damage."