Carl followed them into the house, and was cordially received by Mr.
and Mrs. Vance, who were very kind and hospitable, and were favorably
impressed by the gentlemanly appearance of their son's friend.

Half an hour later dinner was announced, and Carl, having removed the
stains of travel in his schoolmate's room, descended to the dining-room,
and, it must be confessed, did ample justice to the bounteous repast
spread before him.

In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he played tennis, and had a trial at
archery. The hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock came before
they were aware.

"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing for tea, "you have a
charming home."

"You have a nice house, too, Carl."

"True; but it isn't a home--to me. There is no love there."

"That makes a great difference."

"If I had a father and mother like yours I should be happy."

"You must stay here till day after tomorrow, and I will devote to-morrow
to a visit in your interest to your home. I will beard the lion in his
den--that is, your stepmother. Do you consent?"

"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."