is so great had I not better fly at once?"

"Yes, I think we both have had the name of being a little peculiar,
and my brusque, direct way of coming right to the point is one of my
peculiarities. I am very intimate with the St. Johns, and am almost as
fond of Grace as if she were my own child. So of course you can see a
great deal of her if you wish, and this arrangement about whist will
add to your opportunities. I know what young men are, and I know too
what often happens when their faces express as much admiration and
interest as yours did last night. What's more," continued the
energetic old lady with an emphatic tap on the floor with her foot,
and a decided nod of her head, "if I were a young man, Grace would
have to marry some one else to get rid of me. Now I've had my say, and
my conscience is clear, whatever happens. As to flight, why, you must
settle that question, but I am sincere and cordial in my request that
you make your home with me until you decide upon your future course."

Graham was touched, and he took his aunt's hand as he said, "I thank
you for your kindness, and more than all for your downright sincerity.
When I came here it was to make but a formal call. With the exception
of one friend, I believed that I stood utterly alone in the world--
that no one cared about what I did or what became of me. I was
accustomed to isolation and thought I was content with it, but I find
it more pleasant than I can make you understand to know there is one
place in the world to which I can come, not as a stranger to an inn,
but as one that is received for other than business considerations.
Since you have been so frank with me I will be equally outspoken;" and
he told her just how he was situated, and what were his plans and
hopes. "Now that I know there is no necessity of earning my
livelihood," he concluded, "I shall yield to my impulse to rest