THE day of the examination arrived at last. The new suit was completed and hanging in the closet. The nicely starched collar, and the pretty brown bow were laid with a clean pocket-handkerchief in the drawer.

Fred had been very diligent in reviewing his lessons; but as the time drew near when he would be called out to recite, his heart beat fast with excitement.

“I wish the examination was over,” he said a dozen times. “I’m almost sure I shall miss in geography. I can say my piece just as well as can be; but when I see all the people looking, I’m afraid I shall forget every word.”

The day was fine; and Mrs. Carleton and Hatty left home at an early hour so as to secure seats in the crowded hall. There was a raised stage at one end, on which the scholars stood while examined by the committee, who occupied seats on the opposite platform, the visitors filling up all the vacant space.

The exercises of examination were interesting to the parents, each feeling a natural desire that his or her child should excel; and then the teacher announced that there would be speaking from the first class.

Just at this moment Hatty’s bright eyes noticed a stranger enter the door, who was at once invited to a seat of honor near the committee.

There was something about his eyes that startled her. They wandered quickly about the room as if in search of some one, and then fixed themselves gravely upon the school. The lower part of his face was completely hidden by a heavy beard.

Hatty touched her mother, calling her attention to the stranger; but, with scarcely a glance at the gentleman, Mrs. Carleton gave her attention to the speaking.

At the close of the school, a member of the committee, ’Squire Long, arose and said to the teacher,—

“I am so much pleased with your boys, that I am going to indulge myself with the pleasure of giving each one of them a book to remember me by.”

He untied a parcel, and took out some prettily bound volumes, which he proceeded to distribute, to the great joy of the boys.

The scholars generally looked much pleased; but not one, except Fred Carleton, expressed his gratitude. When it came his turn to go forward, his whole face was covered with a rosy flush. He bowed when the volume was put in his hands, and with a cordial “I thank you, sir,” retired to his seat.

There were several whispered comments on Fred’s conduct; all agreeing that he had done well. “That boy has a good mother,” murmured one of the committee in the ear of the bearded stranger.

The gentleman only bowed.

In the confusion of leaving the hall, Hatty lost sight of the strange visitor; but she could not forget the impression he had made upon her and continued to talk about him all the way home.

“I can’t think where I’ve seen him before. His eyes looked as familiar as possible.”

Before they started for the school they had drawn down the curtains and locked the door, Mrs. Carleton taking the key in her pocket. Now, as they approached the house, they were surprised to see the curtains up, and the shed door wide open.

Hatty darted forward to see who was within, and presently, with a joyful scream, was held fast in the arms of the mysterious stranger.

“Husband!” murmured Mrs. Carleton, instantly recognizing him. “Thank God,” he said, “that I see you all once more!”

“When did you come? How changed you are! I was sure I had seen your eye somewhere,” exclaimed Hatty, full of joyful excitement.

“I was proud of you, my boy,” said Captain Carleton, again embracing him. “I was proud of you and proud of your mother, who has trained you to such good manners. I pray God you may always honor her as you did to-day.” Mrs. Carleton, having laid aside her bonnet and shawl, rose to make preparations for supper.

“Now, ma, you sit right down,” exclaimed Hatty, gently putting her back into the chair. “I can do everything. You sit and talk with pa.”

“You will find a lobster in the closet,” said the captain. “We can well afford to have a little feast, for the Adolphus, my new vessel, is completed, and will be ready for sea before I am, I fear.” “Good news! good news! Pa is captain again.”

“Yes,” added the gentleman; “the owners have been very generous. They have allowed me a sum in advance, which, with what I have made in the last voyage, will buy a share in her. I hope for a prosperous trip.”

“You have returned safely; and I could be satisfied with that,” faltered Mrs. Carleton, her eyes full of tears, though hope prevailed in her heart.