What commands had she for him?

“Mr. Greer, I want to ask you a question, if you will permit me.”

Anything he would answer cheerfully.

“You know Barton Ridgeley?”

“Yes, without being much acquainted with him.  I like him.”

“Have you now, or have you ever had any business connection with him?”

“I have not, and I never had.”

“Will you say this in writing?”

“Cheerfully, if you wish it.”

“I do.”

Greer sat down to the desk in the library adjoining.

“Address my father, please.”

He wrote and handed her the following: 

“Hon. E. MARKHAM: 

“Dear Sir,—­I am asked if I have now, or have ever had any business relations of any kind with Barton Ridgeley.  I have not, and never had, directly or indirectly, on my own, or on account of others.

“Very respectfully,

“THOS.  J. GREER.

“RAVENNA, April 1838.”

“May I know why you wish this?” a little gravely; “you’ve heard something said about something and somebody, by other somebodys or nobodys, perhaps.”

“I have.  Mr. Ridgeley is away.  You have heard of our obligations to him, and I have taken it upon myself to ask you.”

“You are a noble girl, Miss Markham.  A man might go through fire for you;” enthusiastically.

“Thank you.”

“And now I hope your little heart is at rest.”

“It was quite at rest before.  I am much obliged, Mr. Greer; and it may not be in my power to make other returns.”

“Good morning, Miss Markham.”

“Good morning, Mr. Greer.”

In the afternoon, as the Judge was in his office, a little springy step came clipping in.  “Good afternoon!  Papa Judge,” and two wonderful arms went about his neck, and two lips to his own.

“Why Julia! you back!  How is Sarah?”

“Splendid!”

“Your friend Miss Walters?”

“Oh, she is well.  See here, Papa Judge,” holding out the Greer note.

The Judge looked at and read it over in amazement.

“Where under the heavens did you get this?”

“Mr. Greer wrote it for me.”

“Mr. Greer wrote it for you?  I am amazed! no man could have dared to ask him for it!  What put this into your head?”

“You almost suspected Bart”—­with decidedly damp eyes—­“and others did quite, and while in Ravenna I wrote a note to Mr. Greer, who called, and I asked the direct question, and he answered.  I asked him to write it and he did, and paid me a handsome compliment besides.  Papa Judge, when you want a thing done send me.”

“Well, my noble girl, you deserve a compliment.  A girl that can do that can, of course, have a man go through night and storm and flood for her,” said the Judge with enthusiasm.

“Mr. Greer said a man should go through fire,” said Julia, as if a little hurt.