THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 341 
him to bestow one more gift in addition to the 
many which had already been sent—the gift of 
himself to the woman who of all others had 
filled most of his thoughts ? In concluding 
these meditations his purpose was taken; in¬ 
stead of replying to Doctor Dean’s letter, he 
presented himself at the parsonage to explain 
in person the purpose which he had formed. 
His visit was both a delight and a surprise— 
delight to meet a dear friend, and an agreeable 
surprise at the main purpose of his coming. 
Here he learned that it was the intention of 
Miss Farley to maintain herself and mother by 
a return to her profession as a teacher, and that 
she expected soon to enter upon the duties of a 
very eligible position which had been secured 
for her mainly through the influence of her 
friend Doctor Dean. 
With this information Davidson repaired to 
the brown cottage, where, though so unex¬ 
pected, he was very cordially received. The 
neat and cozy appearance of everything in and 
out of the house was in marked contrast with 
the wretched surroundings in which he first had 
met the family. Taste and carefulness were 
everywhere apparent, and a quiet grace seemed 
