PROMOTION AND SURPRISES. 175

ous, have been tending towards a result which, I hope,
will prove agreeable to you. Your good friends, Dr
and Mrs. Smith, are in the secret; and last, but not
least, we have introduced Mr. Barry. But there is
still another party in the affair, whom you do not know.”

“ Leave that to me,” said Barry; and throwing open
the door which separated them from the parlour, he
said, “I must have the pleasure of presenting you to
Mrs. Barry.” |

Carl saw a graceful lady rising to meet him, without
at first discerning her features ; great was his amaze-
ment to recognise in her, after a moment, Helen New-
man, the daughter of his late preceptor.

“It is surprise upon surprise,” exclaimed Carl, quite
bewildered with these inexplicable proceedings. “I
scarcely know where to begin, or what to inquire.”

“Let the truth come out at once, then,” said Mr.
Mill) “The plan is really my wife’s, though’ with my
hearty concurrence. You are no longer to be the prin-
cipal of the octagon school, Mr. Adler. We have
secured a promotion for you. The new academy, near
our church, has been several months in preparation.
An adjoining house is very suitable for the reception
of boarders. The company of gentlemen who set up the
school have fixed on Mr. Barry and yourself as teachers,
We shall give you a week or two of preparation ; and
the academy will open on the first day of October.
Now, the secret is fully out.”