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 and regarded him earnestly. He paused and bowed. The lady then descended the steps, and advanced toward the gate, saying:

"You will excuse me, I trust, sir, but I thought that you were Mr. Stone, Mrs. Nesmith's son-in-law."

"You are right, madam," was the response, "and this, I believe, is Mr. Hartwell's place."

"Yes, sir, and I am his wife. My husband told me that you called here last night, to inquire if Nattie, your wife's little sister, was with us, or if we knew any place where she would be likely to make an evening visit."

Mrs. Hartwell paused a moment, and then added: "I suppose you found her somewhere in the neighborhood."

"No, madam," was the answer; "I did not find her last evening, nor has she yet returned. The object of this early morning walk was to continue my search for her."

The lady looked surprised and alarmed.