even than that of the old-fashioned roses which abounded everywhere.

"Was there ever a sweeter nook?" I thought as I stepped out on the
wide horse-block and gave my hand to one who seemed the beautiful
culmination of the scene.

Miss Adah needed but little assistance to alight, but she took my hand
in hers, which she had ungloved as she approached her home. It was her
mother's soft, plump hand, but unmarked, as yet, by years of toil. I
forgot we were such entire strangers, and under the impulse of my
fancy clasped it a trifle warmly, at which she gave me a look of
slight surprise, thus suggesting that there was no occasion for the
act.

"You are mistaken," I mentally responded; "there is more occasion than
you imagine; more than I may dare to tell you for a long time to
come."

A lady who had been sitting on the piazza disappeared within the
house, and Adah followed her.

"Now, mother," said Mr. Yocomb, "since thee did so little for friend
Morton's spiritual man, see what thee can do for the temporal. I'll
take the high seat this time, and can tell thee beforehand that
there'll be no silent meeting."

"Father may seem to thee a little irreverent, but he doesn't mean to
be. It's his way," said his wife, with a smile. "If thee'll come with
me I'll show thee to a room where thee can rest and prepare for
dinner."