“Ah, yes! the Brier’s are good, worthy souls, I believe, although I cannot say that they are particularly known to me.  You must have observed, by this time, that I pride myself somewhat on my penetration and keen insight into the character of those with whom the extensive business of my office throws me often in contact.  Yes, you must have discovered, by this time, that I am a superior judge of human nature, by the perusal of the spicy editorials which have made the Waveland Clarion widely known and feared, as well as respected.  As one of the admirers of my peculiar genius remarked, to the confusion of another of the editorial fraternity, it takes Philemon W. Strain to hit off the follies and weaknesses of mankind with his humorous pen.  But if it is often his duty to condemn, it is sometimes, also, his privilege to admire, as you cannot have failed to notice within the past few weeks.”

Clemence acknowledged the implied compliment, and hastened to change the subject.  She was glad to behold, in the distance, the lights gleaming from the Brier cottage, and hurried forward, the sooner to be rid of her not altogether welcome company.  Mrs. Brier chanced to be standing in the front door, as they came up.

“Good evening, Miss Graystone,” she said.  “Why, Mr. Strain,” in a tone of affected surprise, “who would have thought of seeing you.  Come right in, both of you.”

“Thank you,” said the gentleman, confusedly.  “I believe I will walk on, as I have an engagement for this evening.”  Raising his hat to the ladies, he strode away with a majestic tread.  Clemence breathed a sigh of relief, as she followed the spare figure of her hostess into the house.

“You must be tired,” said that lady, “sit in the rocking chair and rest yourself.  Johnny,” to a pale, sharp featured child, “come and bid the schoolmistress good evening.”

The child came shyly up to the young teacher, and, as she held out her hand, seemed re-assured by her kindly smile.

“I suppose you know it ain’t none of ourn,” said Mrs. Brier, “its only a boy we took to bring up.  Nobody knows who his parents be.  Brier got him at the foundling hospital when he went to sell his wheat to the city.  He wasn’t but two years old then, but he’s ten now, and a great, big, lazy, idle, good-for-nothing boy, that’ll never begin to pay for his keepin’.  I never wanted the young ’un around, but Brier said he’d come handy by-and-by, and save a man’s wages; so as we never had any of our own, we thought we’d keep him.  Children are an awful sight of trouble.  This one has been such a trial.  He has got such a terrible temper, and I have hard work to keep him in his place, but I do it, I can tell you,” she added, glaring spitefully at the little cowering creature.

“Why, he don’t look like a very naughty boy,” said Clemence.  “I think Johnny is one of the best behaved boys in school.  He is so quiet that I hardly know he is there, except when he is reading his lessons, and those he always has well learned.  He very seldom fails with a recitation.”