THE BLESSED BEES. 



CLOUD. 



My room was No. 14 in the old boarding hall, 

 just at the head of the first flight of stairs. I stood 

 at the window watching for the mail-boy, who was 

 much later than usual that night. For an hour 

 he had been due. It was a long and weary hour to 

 me, during which study had been impossible. After 

 what seemed an endless time I heard his step com- 

 ing by the college. I forced myself to sit down 

 quietly at the table. The boy would distribute the 

 mail in the steward's rooms below in a few minutes, 

 and as he came up stairs my room was first. I 

 should soon know if there was a message for me. 

 No news would be good news. I listened eagerly 

 and soon heard his step on the stair. Would he 

 pass my door? I hoped so, fervently. He came 

 on. He stopped and knocked. He had something 



