He then dismissed them, saying he would take care of the young gentleman's baggage; and stepping up stairs, tapped gently at Chapman's door.

"We were all retiring for the night," said Mrs.Chapman, opening the door slightly, and looking alarmed, for Bright was in a flutter of excitement, and it was nearly a minute before he could tell what he wanted.

At length he stammered out: "There, there, there--there's a strange gentleman down stairs, mam--and he would like to see Miss Mattie, I am sure he would." "Mr.Bright," replied Mrs.Chapman, tossing her head and compressing her lips, "he can't be much of a gentleman to come at this hour of night.

My daughter has no acquaintance who would presume to take such a liberty.
Etiquette forbids it." Mattie now made her appearance, with a book half open in her left hand, and looking anxious and agitated.

Then resting her right hand on her mother's shoulder, "Mr.Bright," she enquired, in a hesitating voice, "what does the gentleman look like ?" "A nice gentleman enough, Miss--" "Is it any one you know ?" "Why, Miss," resumed Bright, with an air of reluctance, "wouldn't intrude at this house, but I know you'd like to see the gentleman; and wouldn't be particular about the time." Mattie fixed her eyes on Bright with a steady gaze, her agitation increased, her face changed color rapidly, her heart seemed to beat anew with some sudden transport of joy.