view over the water. When people talk to me about the Hill, I can understand 'em. It's snug, and it's old-fashioned, and it's where they've always lived. But when they talk about Commonwealth Avenue, I don't know what they mean. It don't hold a candle to the water side of Beacon. You've got just as much wind over there, and you've got just as much dust, and all the view you've got is the view across the street. No, sir! when you come to the Back Bay at all, give me the water side of Beacon." 

 "Oh, I think you're quite right," said the young man.  "The view here is everything." 

 Irene looked "I wonder what papa is going to say next!" at her sister, when their mother's voice was heard overhead, approaching the opening in the floor where the stairs were to be; and she presently appeared, with one substantial foot a long way ahead. She was followed by the carpenter, with his rule sticking out of his overalls pocket, and she was still talking to him about some measurements they had been taking, when they reached the bottom, so that Irene had to say, "Mamma, Mr. Corey," before Mrs. Lapham was aware of him. 

 He came forward with as much grace and speed as the uncertain footing would allow, and Mrs. Lapham gave him a stout squeeze of her comfortable hand. 

 "Why, Mr. Corey! When did you get back?" 

 "Yesterday. It hardly seems as if I HAD got back. I didn't expect to find you in a new house." 

 "Well, you are our first caller. I presume you won't expect I should make excuses for the state you find it in. Has the Colonel been doing the honours?" 

 "Oh yes. And I've seen more of your house than I ever shall again, I suppose." 

 "Well, I hope not," said Lapham.  "There'll be several chances to see us in the old one yet, before we leave." 

 He probably thought this a neat, off-hand way of making the invitation, for he looked at his woman-kind as if he might expect their admiration. 

 "Oh yes, indeed!" said his wife.  "We shall be very glad to see Mr. Corey, any time." 

 "Thank you; I shall be glad to come." 

 He and the Colonel went before, and helped the ladies down the difficult descent. Irene seemed less sure-footed than 

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