"There is a change in every hour's recall,
And the last cowslip in the fields we see
On the same day with the first corn poppy.
Alas for hourly change, Alas for all
The loves that from his hand proud Youth lets fall,
Even as the beads of a told rosary!"


The next day Allan bade David "good-bye," for a week. He went first to his
father's office; where he received a glad welcome. Their dispute did not
interfere with the courtesies of life; nor indeed, had it in any degree
dulled the sincere affection between father and son. As they stood a
moment hand-fast, they looked into each other's face, and in the mutual
look there was a dumb acknowledgment of a love which could not be easily
shadowed, and which no circumstances could altogether extinguish.

"Where have you been so long, Allan? I have wearied to see you."

"I was on the East coast, father."

"Trying to find out what you really wanted?"

"That, and also making some fine studies. I have brought back with me a
few pictures which I hope you will like. Shall I take the noon boat to
Meriton, or wait for you?"

"Go at noon. I may stop at Largo to see a yacht I think of buying."

"How is Mary?"