Mrs lilye took up a lartre white feather fat), and began slowly to fan herself in rhythmical movements.
' she repeated, calmly, with the faintest suspicion of a smile, 'my hus band.'

'So,' paid Edward, trying to speak calmly, but conscious of a rising lump in his throat, ' this is my dismissal, I sup posß. Mrs Blye will no longer wish for my presence, when her devoted husband is at hand.'

Nellie raised her eyebrows interroga tively. ' Why not»' she asked nonchal antly. 'My "devoted husband will surely not object to my friendship with a mere boy.'

' Oh, Nellie,' burst forth the boy im petuously, ' I can't bear to lose you now. And you will forcrot mo so soon.' Mrs Blye bent caressingly over his bowed bead.
' Oh, no, dear, I shall never forget you,' she said, stroking hig hair lightly. ' I shall always remember our friendship. You must give me your photo, and I shall pub it among my most sacred troasures, and look at it when lam quite alone. Will you have one taken specially for me, dear ?' she asked tenderly.
Tho boy raised his head, and a faint smile came over his face.
' I've just had one taken,' ha said, with a somewhat dismal laugh.
'For whom?' asked Mrs Blye, quickly, frowning at the thought of some possible rival, and guessed rightly that Edward would never have been photographed for his own sake.
'For my father, , answered tho boy, in a sliirh ely embarrassed tone.
