Harry’s vacation had been very pleasant.  Miss Delany, with her fine conversational powers and ready wit, had added much to his enjoyment.  Robert had given his mother the pleasantest room in the house, and in the evening the family would gather around her, tell her the news of the day, read to her from the Bible, join with her in thanksgiving for mercies received and in prayer for protection through the night.  Harry was very grateful to Dr. Latimer for the kindly interest he had shown in accompanying Miss Delany and himself to places of interest and amusement.  He was grateful, too, that in the city of P——­ doors were open to them which were barred against them in the South.

The bright, beautiful days of summer were gliding into autumn, with its glorious wealth of foliage, and the time was approaching for the departure of Harry and Miss Delany to their respective schools, when Dr. Latimer received several letters from North Carolina, urging him to come South, as physicians were greatly needed there.  Although his practice was lucrative in the city of P——­, he resolved he would go where his services were most needed.

A few evenings before he started he called at the house, and made an engagement to drive Iola to the park.

At the time appointed he drove up to the door in his fine equipage.  Iola stepped gracefully in and sat quietly by his side to enjoy the loveliness of the scenery and the gorgeous grandeur of the setting sun.

“I expect to go South,” said Dr. Latimer, as he drove slowly along.

“Ah, indeed,” said Iola, assuming an air of interest, while a shadow flitted over her face.  “Where do you expect to pitch your tent?”

“In the city of C——­, North Carolina,” he answered.

“Oh, I wish,” she exclaimed, “that you were going to Georgia, where you could take care of that high-spirited brother of mine.”

“I suppose if he were to hear you he would laugh, and say that he could take care of himself.  But I know a better plan than that.”

“What is it?” asked Iola, innocently.

“That you will commit yourself, instead of your brother, to my care.”

“Oh, dear,” replied Iola, drawing a long breath.  “What would mamma say?”

“That she would willingly resign you, I hope.”

“And what would grandma and Uncle Robert say?” again asked Iola.

“That they would cheerfully acquiesce.  Now, what would I say if they all consent?”

“I don’t know,” modestly responded Iola.

“Well,” replied Dr. Latimer, “I would say:—­

    “Could deeds my love discover,
          Could valor gain thy charms,
     To prove myself thy lover
          I’d face a world in arms.”

“And prove a good soldier,” added Iola, smiling, “when there is no battle to fight.”

“Iola, I am in earnest,” said Dr. Latimer, passionately.  “In the work to which I am devoted every burden will be lighter, every path smoother, if brightened and blessed with your companionship.”