CONCLUDING CHAPTER. 225

a moment in the neat little parlor, before Mrs.
Starr came in. Everything there showed her
taste and skill in housewifery. Bessie was the
same frank, friendly, lively little person as
when she first appeared with her basket on her
arm walking up the lawn.

“* Down, down, Sancho,” said she, as the dog,
delighted to see an old acquaintance, jumped
upon Howard, and licked his hands.

“Naughty dog! You won’t give me a
chance to speak to our friend.”

Ada Cramer now came forward—a pale, tall,
young lady, timid and bashful as ever, and
scarcely lifting her eyes as Mr. Framingham
bowed at a respectful distance.

The Rev. Mr. Starr soon came in. The even-
ing was pleasantly spent in talking over old
times, and forming plans for the future.

“ My first architectural work, shall be a
church for Cramerville,” said Howard. “TI
suppose the workmen from the mills attend
your church.”

“They do; and we want a new one badly.
But where shall we get the money ?”

“JT will attend to that matter,” replied

15