Fred liiiiiilfion followed the clerk into tho private oflico. Announcing, " Mr. 1 Braid son !" the clerk retired, closing tho door behind him,

A tall and fair girl rose from a chair as Fred Braidson entered (lie oflicc. She was dressed in a neat costume of dark navy-blue. A pair of bright eyes flashed with nervous unrest beneath an airy fringe which undeibiy the deep, velvet band of a becoming toque; figure and dress presenting a picture of quiet grace rather than one of striking beauty,

" Miss Pliipson, I believe," said Fred Braidson, bowing to the girl, " Yes," eanio the timid and half-lisped reply, a gentle inclination of the speaker's head accompanying the admission. " I am sincerely grieved to know that your' father is indisposed. 1 trust he will soon bo ; able to got out again," said Fred Braidson, : advancing a step nearer to the girl. i " Thaul; you, sir, papa is not at all well.' He is overworked, We want him to go, away for a long rest," came the answer, tho : girl's eyes sparkling as she spoke.
