"You will not be offended if I aid you in the work?" asked Ida.
"No; and I anticipate your warning. You would say that self-conquest lies at the base of all other victories. Ah! you will yet be ashamed of your incredulity as to my regeneration. That is Charley's voice, he has brought Lacy, too! I am glad!"
Ida was more than glad. She had seen him since their midnight walk, but Josephine's presence had debarred her from even a look of acknowledgment.
Mrs. Dana came down stairs, and completed the fireside group.
"What have you two been prosing about?" asked Charley, presently.
"I have been talking—Miss Ida listening," said Lynn. "She has no faith in my determination to play 'good boy,' and as she knows me better than I do myself, I am uneasy for the durability of my excellent resolve. Do say something encouraging, Lacy."
"What is this reformation? of mind or manner?" inquired Morton.
"Mind, manner, heart and will. I have been a wilful troublesome child all my life; I mean, from this time forward, to be a man."
"And how are you setting about it?"