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They at length learned of the merciful ruse that had been played upon them by the appearance of their friend at their door in Dr Orton's buggy As the old physician helped his patient, as still rather weak, up the steps, he said with his hearty laugh: "Haldane has watched over that case, that he and I told you of, long enough We now turn the case over to you, Miss A, and I'll trust to you for that He's a truht he'd spoil the joke by dying, at one time"

The sentihter, Mrs Arnot, and Laura, would naturally entertain toward one who had served them as Haldane had done, and at such risk to hiined than portrayed They looked and felt infinitely more than they were ever peration was evidently painful to hior, and before the autumn frosts put an end to the epidemic, was able to render Dr Orton much valuable assistance

Amy became more truly his sister than ever his own had been to him Her quick intuition soon discovered his secret--even the changing expression of his eyes at the mention of Laura's name would have revealed it to her--but he would not let her speak on the subject "She belongs to another," he said, "and although to me she is the most beautiful and attractive wo effort not to think of her"

His parting from Mrs Poland and Amy tested his self-control severely In accordance with her impulsive nature, Amy put her arms about his neck as she said brokenly: "You were indeed God's ht us life As father said, we shall allwas that of a mother; but there were traces of constraint in Laura's , warm pressure, and said, with tears in her eyes: "Mr Haldane, I thank you for your kindness to Amy and auntie as sincerely as if it had all been rendered to me alone"

But after this first expression of natural feeling, Haldane was al his eyes, avoided speaking to hi Mr Beau off to so on Mrs Arnot And yet if this were true, he was also made to feel that it resulted from no lack of friendliness or esteem on her part