"It is as I thought," he said to Martha, when he returned; "they are at the inn now, and dinner is being prepared for them."
He sat down beside her, and she took his hand, and looked at him affectionately.
"I have been thinking, Felix, of what you said just now concerning that young lady."
"And thinking of me, I suppose, in connection with her."
"Yes, Felix."
"Well, Martha, you have the key to my secret. Let it be sacred between us, and do not let any reference to it pass your lips unless with my consent."
He asked her to recall the time when he and she last met.
"I do," she answered. "It was in the porch of your father's house, on the day you left."
"But I have seen you since then, Martha."
"Not there!" she exclaimed, in surprise. "Not at Stapleton!"