disturbed. She knew that boy in the laboratory window had been watching closely what was going on in the flat. And now he had _dared_ follow her. She turned upon him a face of pronounced disapproval. "I--I beg your pardon," he stammered. "But I hope your father's better? Nothing's happened to--to him?" "We are going to take him away from the city--thank you," replied Lyddy, impersonally. She noted with satisfaction that he had run out without his cap, and in his work-apron. He could not follow her far in such a rig through the public streets, that was sure. "I--I'm awful sorry to have you go," he said, stammeringly. "But I hope it will be beneficial to your father. I--I---- You see, my own father is none too well and we have often talked of his living out of town somewhere--not so far but that I could run out for the week-end, you know." Lyddy merely nodded. She would not encourage him by a single word. "Well--I wish you all kinds of luck!" exclaimed the young fellow, finally, holding out his hand. "Thank you," returned the very proper Lyddy, and failed to see his proffered hand, turning promptly and walking away, not even vouchsafing him a backward look when she turned the corner, although she knew very well that he was still standing, watching her. "He may be a very nice young man," thought Lyddy; "but, then----"Sunday the two girls spent a long hour with their father. They found him prepared for the move in prospect for the family--indeed, he was cheerful about it. The house physician had evidently taken time to speak to the invalid about the change he advised.

"Perhaps by fall I shall be my own self again, and we can come back to town and all go to work. We'll worry along somehow in the country for one season, I am sure," said Mr. Bray.

But that was what troubled Lyddy more than anything else. They were all so vague as to what they should do at Hillcrest--how they would be able to live there! Father said something about when he used to have a garden in their backyard, and how nice the fresh vegetables were; and how mother had once kept hens. But Lyddy could not see yet how they were to have either a garden or poultry.

They were all three enthusiastic--to each other. And the father was sure that in a fortnight he would be well enough to travel alone to Hillcrest; they must not worry about him. Aunt Jane was to remain in town all that time, and she promised to report frequently to the girls regarding their father's condition. 

"I certainly wish I could help you gals out with money," said the old lady that evening. "You're the only nieces I've got, and I 

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