on the wall, with scarlet woodbine sprays hanging round it. I felt as if I'd got into a romance, sitting there watching the Neckar rolling through the valley, listening to the music of the Austrian band below, and waiting for my lover,—like a real story-book girl. I had a feeling that something was going to happen, and I was ready for it. I didn't feel blushy or quakey, but quite cool, and only a little excited.
"By and by I heard Fred's voice, and then he came hurrying through the great arch to find me. He looked so troubled that I forgot all about myself, and asked what the matter was. He said he'd just got a letter begging him to come home, for Frank was very ill; so he was going at once, in the night train, and only had time to say 'good-by.' I was very sorry for him, and disappointed for myself,—but only for a minute,—because he said, as he shook hands,—and said it in a way that I could not mistake,—'I shall soon come back,—you won't forget me, Amy?'
"I didn't promise, but I looked at him and he seemed satisfied,—and there was no time for anything but messages and good-byes, for he was off in an hour, and we all miss him very much. I know he wanted to speak, but I think, from something he once hinted, that he had promised his father not to do anything of the sort yet awhile,—for he is a rash boy, and the old gentleman dreads a foreign daughter-in-law. We shall soon meet in Rome; and then, if I don't change my mind, I'll say 'Yes, thank you,' when he says, 'Will you, please?'
"Of course this is all very private, but I wished you to know what was going on. Don't be anxious
