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CHAPTER XXVI.

CONCLUSION.

HE next day had come, and nearly gone. 'The boys'-Russell, Gus, and Lesliehad all arrived at the Folly, so it had been a very bustling day.

And now we must really take our last look at the old place, and say good-bye to all its inhabitants. It had become a much prettier place than it was five years ago, for Dr. Bradley and his children had done a great deal to improve it. The whole family had turned out to enjoy the fresh air, for the day had been very hot. First, there sat Dr. Bradley himself, in a garden-chair on the lawn, reading,-his hair much whiter than when we first knew him; but in other respects he looked little older, for some of the anxious lines were smoothed out of his face, and he still kept his old, kind expression. As he read, a little girl, with a roguish, merry face, ran up to him, and clambered on to his knee.

'Look, papa; I have brought a lovely rose for your button-hole out of my very own garden,' she said, as she pinned one into her father's coat.

'Thank you, darling. My Rosie's roses are always sweet,' answered he; and the little girl ran back to her garden to gather a flower for Miss Jewel. Just then Gus and Leslie made their appearance, followed by half a dozen dogs. Both had grown

into fine young men by this time.

Leslie still regarded his elder brother with envy and admiration.

'Well, boys, where are you off to?' asked Dr. Bradley, looking up from his book.

'We are going to take the dogs down to the river and give them a swim,' answered Gus.

On hearing this, Maggie suddenly appeared on the scene. Just the same Maggie as ever, only taller and a little graver.

Going to give the dogs a swim!' she cried; 'do let me go with you;' and she immediately put on her hat, which she had been swinging in her hand.

'All right, Mag,' said Leslie; for Leslie and Maggie were as good friends as ever.

In a few more minutes they set off, a very merry, noisy party. And as Dr. Bradley watched them down the avenue, a little satisfied smile stole over his face, at the thought of what good children they

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were, upon the whole-for they were still children to him. Then he quietly resumed his reading; but as the light gradually faded, and darkness crept on, he began to fidget, and often looked at his watch. Presently he saw Miss Jewel and Rosie walking up and down the avenue. Miss Jewel was telling the little girl a story.

'Do you know which way Effie and Clem went?' asked Dr. Bradley; they are very late. I begin to feel anxious.'

'They were going to see Mr. Vanster,' answered Miss Jewel. 'Clement wanted to stay and read to him while Mr. Russell and Effie went on for a drive.'

'Oh, if Russell is with them they are all right!' replied the Doctor in a relieved tone; 'but I cannot bear Effie to be out late with Clement. By the by, Miss Jewel,' he went on, 'do you think it is good for the boy to be so much in a sick-room; I hardly like it; and yet it would seem cruel to the poor old man to stop Clement's visits ?'

'I do not think he will be able to pay them much longer, sir,' replied Miss Jewel. When I called this morning, the servant said Mr. Vanster seemed to be sinking fast; and he does so look forward to Clement's visits.'

'Yes, papa, that he does,' put in Rosie. 'And

Clement has promised to go and see all Mr. Vanster's old people when he is gone. He always talks about going home, you know; he never says he is going to die, and he seems quite glad about it. Oh dear! how strange it will seem to have no Mr. Vanster here, and Clement always playing on the organ at church. Didn't he play beautifully though, last Sunday, papa?'

'Yes, my darling, indeed he did; but I fear we shall never hear our kind old friend's music any more, and that made me feel sad, even though it was our own Clement who took his place.'

Just then they heard the sound of wheels, and a pony carriage came in at the gate.

In the front seat were a sweet-looking girl and a fine young man. They were Effie and Russell, both quite grown up by this time. Behind them sat Clement.

As soon as they saw Dr. Bradley, Russell drew the pony up, and they all got out.

Effie ran up to her papa, and gave him a kiss. She looked very bright, and yet her eyes filled with tears as she did so. Her papa took her hand fondly, and then turned to Clement

'Tell us about our dear old friend,' he said; 'how did you leave him, Clement?'

'So quiet and happy,' replied Clement, who had

now grown into a tall, slim youth, still delicate looking, but with a very beautiful face, and large eyes that burnt with a strange unearthly light. 'I read to him for a long time, and then he asked me to play. So I went down-stairs and played some of his favourite music. When I left he was sleeping so quietly, his breathing sounded like a little child's. I do not think he can last much longer. The Vicar was just going in when I came away, and he says he should not be surprised if Mr. Vanster did not live to the morning. He is going to stay there all night, for he promised (if possible) to be with him at the last.'

'You will miss your dear old friend very much, Clement,' said Dr. Bradley kindly.

'Indeed I shall,' replied Clement in a quivering voice. 'I shall feel quite lost without him. But he seems so glad to go, that it is selfish to wish to keep him.'

Just then old Joe had come up to take away the pony. He touched his cap and asked Miss. Effie if she would please to accept a rose. It was a beauty, and she thanked him very much, and pinned it into her dress.

Russell watched her doing so, and then followed Dr. Bradley, who was walking away.

'Could you spare me half an hour, Doctor?' he