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 that Mr. Watson is seriously considering your uncle's proposal that he come North and be associated with him at the bank."

"Yes, and I sincerely trust that he will accept. Uncle's business cares are too heavy for him to bear alone; then, too, it would be a good thing for Watson. A man needs a home. He has a warm welcome awaiting him at uncle's and Mary is sighing to be a daughter to him."

"Mary is a lovely woman and an accomplished housekeeper; but she seems to have never fully recovered from that shock."

"Does it seem possible that nearly three years have passed since—he—Watson—" Then with a gulp Hernando added,—"Mary is still nervous but Watson's very presence is an antidote for nerves."

"He is so steady, so genuine. I can never forget his kindness. Oh, that awful cloudburst!" Celeste shivered; then, half aloud to herself, she added,—"Can it be three years since Elisha left us?"

Instinctively both looked backward toward