white shawl, that I was finishing to surprise mother.

There was a short silence between us, for though I was less afraid
of Mr. Lucas than formerly, I never spoke to him unless he addressed
me; but, looking up from my work a moment, I saw him contemplating me
in a quiet, thoughtful way, but he smiled pleasantly when our eyes met.

"This is your last evening, I think, Miss Cameron?"

"Indeed it is," I returned, with a short sigh.

"You are sorry to leave us?" he questioned, very kindly; for I think
he had heard the sigh.

"I ought not to be sorry," I returned, stoutly; "for I am going home."

"Oh! and home means everything with you!"

"It means a great deal," knitting furiously, for I was angry at
myself for being so sorry to leave; "but Miss Ruth has been so good
to me that she has quite spoiled me. I shall not be half so fit for
all the hard work I have at home.

"That is a pity," he returned, slowly, as though he were revolving
not my words, but some thoughts in his own mind. "Do you know I was
thinking of something when you looked up just now. I was wondering
why you should not remain with us altogether." I put down my knitting
at that, and looked him full in the face; I was so intensely
surprised at his words. "You and my sister are such friends; it would
be pleasant for her to have you for a constant companion, for I am