212 BRAGGADOCIO.

Tom was very much pleased with the model,
and still more with the satisfaction Howard
expressed with regard to his “master.” He
told Howard that he was delighted with chem-
istry, which he considered a noble science.
The boys enjoyed together fine pictures and
statues, and parted mutually pleased with the
interview. |

They went on with their studies till June,
and then left for a vacation, delighted to re-
turn to Cramerville.

When Howard stopped at the gate at Rose .
Lawn, he was struck with the neglected ap-
pearance of the place. The paths formerly so
nicely gravelled and rolled, were overgrown
with weeds. The small gate was off the
hinges, and half a dozen cows were quietly
feeding upon the grass among the roses now in
full bloom. Straw and bits of paper were scat-
tered upon the lawn, where formerly not even a
dry leaf was allowed to remain. With anxious
steps, Howard made his way to the front door.
One of the window-blinds of the parlor was
open. He looked in. It was empty. Not an
article of the rich furniture remained. He