rather, into it—before I give up.”
“Where you going to study? New York?”
Again there was an almost imperceptible hesitation before the answer came.
“I'm not quite prepared to say.”
“Why not try it here?”
Arkwright shook his head.
“I did plan to, when I came over but I've changed my mind. I believe I'd rather work while longer in America.”
“Hm-m,” murmured Calderwell.
There was a brief silence, followed by other questions and other answers; after which the friends said good night.
In his own room, as he was dropping off to sleep, Calderwell muttered drowsily:
“By George! I haven't found out yet what that blamed 'M. J.' stands for!”
CHAPTER II. AUNT HANNAH GETS A LETTER
In the cozy living-room at Hillside, Billy Neilson's pretty home on Corey Hill, Billy herself sat writing at the desk. Her pen had just traced the date, “October twenty-fifth,” when Mrs. Stetson entered with a letter in her hand.
“Writing, my dear? Then don't let me disturb you.” She turned as if to go.
Billy dropped her pen, sprang to her feet, flew to the little woman's side and whirled her half across the room.
“There!” she exclaimed, as she plumped the breathless and scandalized Aunt Hannah into the biggest easy chair. “I feel better. I just had to let off steam some way. It's so lovely you came in just when you did!”
“Indeed! I—I'm not so sure of that,” stammered the lady, dropping the letter into her lap, and patting with agitated fingers her cap, her curls, the two shawls about her shoulders, and the lace at her throat. “My
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