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 duster, along with the advertising-page of a newspaper.

"And now, pray, tell me how you left Mr. Marcy? His letter said he was in his usual health."

"O, yes, sir," responded Philip, "and busy as ever with the hotel."

"It has done better this season than last, I understand?"

"Much better, sir. I hated to leave for even these closing weeks."

"Ah, I dare say," replied Mr. Hilliard, sympathizingly, "and, by all accounts, I don't see how he ever gets along without you. But really this is a journey you are about making! To Newfoundland is quite—"

"To Halifax, you mean, sir," Gerald corrected, laughing. "Papa isn't so far off as he might be."

"Certainly, Halifax, I would say," their new companion said, quickly. "But it's a delightful trip, especially if you go by water."

"Mr. Marcy said that Old Province was a very handsome steamer."

"She certainly is. By the bye, your father is quite well?" he asked.