222 BRAGGADOCIO.

“Yes; he was married last month to the
daughter of Honest Mixon.”

“* Bessie Mixon! Is it possible !”

“Yes; the Rev. Mr. Starr is still officiating
at the little church near Cramerville.”

Perceiving Mr. Cramer was in haste, Howard
now rose and went with him to have the papers
signed. As they walked along, Howard again
inquired for George Cramer.

“That is a painful subject to me, Mr. Fram-
ingham. My poor boy turned out very differ-
ently from what you have done. I now see the
wisdom of your father in having you educated
for a profession. Your property has increased.
He thought it a small sum for a boy that was
to have been the inheritor of half a million.
I suppose you do not intend to follow the busi-
ness of an architect, with the comfortable for-
tune you now possess.”

“Indeed I do, sir; I am happy to possess
the means of improving myself in my art. I
shall go to Europe, now ; and, Providence per-
mitting, shall return and devote myself to my
chosen and much-loved art, in this my adopted
country.”