Come, let me look at you, lady fair ?" and he pinioned her lightly.

"Good child," he continued approvingly, "I shall tell the mater you do her credit." "Yes, I am quite well, and quite rested; and oh, Malcolm, I am so glad to see you again!" Then he smiled at her kindly, and they went upstairs hand in hand.

Mrs.Herrick, hearing their voices, came out on the landing to greet her son.

Her manner was more than usually affectionate.
"My dear boy," she said, "what an age it is since we saw you! It is more than a fortnight since you even wrote.

When did you come back to town ?" Malcolm had dreaded this question, but he was compelled to answer it truthfully.
"About ten days ago," he returned coolly; he knew his mother never tolerated excuses.
"Ten days, and you have never been near us!" Then her tone changed.
"Have you been ill, Malcolm ?" and she regarded him with undisguised anxiety.
"Anna asked me the same question," he replied, impatiently.