Dudley, and the error in regard to her, was
not a matter to be profitably alluded to in the
presence of Mr. Jones. It dawned upon me
that my mission in the parlor that evening
was ended. I excused myself, notwithstand-
ing entreaties to remain, and left the friends
to their own devices. They made a late even-
ing of it, and, as I subsequently learned, ar-
ranged their plans for the morrow.
By the arrangement, it fell to my lot, the
next day, to show Mr. Jones the house where
his old sweetheart resided. Mrs. Morgan had
told her sister about matters, and she went
that morning and gave her notice, so that
Jones was expected. It was thought by Polly
that it would be easier for Blandie to see Eube
first without other company. So I piloted him



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RUBE JONES. 63



to the little wooden house where Miss Blandie
Becker had her home, and where she had a
school - room, and had taught very young
children for many years. She had, however,
ceased to teach her infant school, and was
now living in the house with only a servant-
girl.
As we walked toward the place. Rube told
me that the discovery that Blandie was still
living had overwhelmed him at first, and that
he was still nervous. I encouraged him all I
could, but it was easy to see that he was agi-
tated. When we reached Blandie's house, I
stepped to the lowly door-way and rapped, for
there was no bell. A woman's voice said,
" Come in ; " and I entered, Mr. Jones follow-
ing close behind.
Seated in the middle of the room was the
old lady, dark, bent, and thin. She had a
book in her lap.
