"The commercial school found a place for me, but it was impossible that I should stay there." Alton half closed his eyes, and the girl noticed his big hand slowly clenched, for he fancied he understood.

"It's a pity I wasn't a brother of yours, Miss Nellie.

I should like to see those folks," he said.

"Still, you have known me a long while, and that's something to go upon." "I'm afraid it's not sufficient," said the girl hastily, with a little smile.
"Well," said Alton, with a sigh, "you have got hold of something better." Miss Townshead appeared to make an endeavour to answer hopefully, but again her fingers trembled, and there was a little less courage than usual in her eyes.

"Not yet, but I shall soon," she said.
"Of course," said Alton gravely.