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 they had gone, "how ready she was to go off with him to-night when she has always been so afraid of his company."

Mrs. Claremont smiled. Soon Milly came in, looking very much amused.

"Milly," said Walter, "was Mr. Livingston here last night while we were gone?"

"That's for you to find out," she smilingly replied.

"Well I know how I can find out, I'll make Kate tell me," continued he, rushing out.

"Kate, did Mr. Livingston call here last night in our absence?"

"An' sure, you don't 'spose I'd be for tellin' the young lady's secrets do you?"

Walter had not been so "easy" as his mother represented or as his own manner indicated. He had a great deal of anxiety about the consequences. The friendship of Ernest was something beyond price and the thought of sacrificing it he could not tolerate. After witnessing what he had, there seemed to be reason for his staying away, and consoled himself with the belief that things would all come out right yet, a favorite dogma in his creed. He knew Ernest too well to suspect him of any such weakness as breaking a friendship voluntarily because of Rosalind's incomprehensible freaks. He might feel embarrassed about calling; which led Walter to seek him next morning, and watch his return, deeming it incumbent on himself under the circumstances to make the first advance.

Ernest and Rosalind walked on past the door of the exhibition, which it is doubtful if either knew