OncemoreMr。St。Clairlookedathiminsilence。Thenslowlyandwithquietemphasis，hesaid：\"Mr。Macdonald，youareadeterminedman，butasGodlives，thispurposeofyoursyouwillnevercarryout。Iknowmydaughter，Ithink，betterthanyouknowher，andI
tellyou，\"hereaslightsmileofconfidenceplayedforamomentonhisface，\"shewillneverbeyourwife。\"
Ranaldbowedhishead。
\"Itshallbeasshewills，\"hesaid，inagrave，almostsad，voice。
\"Sheshalldecide，\"andhepassedintohisoffice。
AlldaylongRanaldtoiledathisdesk，leavinghimselfnotimeforthought。InthelateafternoonHarrycameinonhiswayhome。
\"Thanks，oldchap，\"saidRanald，lookingupfromhiswork；\"sha\'n\'tbeabletocometo-night，Iamsorrytosay。\"
\"Notcome？\"criedHarry。
\"No，itisimpossible。\"
\"Whatrot，andMaimiehaswaitedtendaysforyou。Comealong！\"
\"Itisquiteimpossible，Harry，\"saidRanald，\"andIwantyoutotakethisnotetoMaimie。Thenotewillexplaintoher。\"
\"But，Ranald，thisis——\"
\"And，Harry，Iwanttotellyouthatthisismylastdayhere。\"
Harrygazedathimspeechless。
\"Mr。St。ClairandIhavehadadifferencethatcanneverbemaderight，andto-nightIleavetheofficeforgood。\"
\"Leavetheofficeforgood？Goingtoleaveus？Whatthedeucecantheofficedowithoutyou？Andwhatdoesitallmean？Come，Ranald，don\'tbesuchaconfoundedsphynx！Whydoyoutalksuchrubbish？\"
\"Itistrue，\"saidRanald，\"thoughIcanhardlyrealizeitmyself；
itisabsolutelyandfinallysettled；andIsay，oldman，don\'tmakeitharderforme。Youdon\'tknowwhatitmeanstometoleavethisplace，and——you，and——all！\"InspiteofhissplendidnerveRanald\'svoiceshookalittle。Harrygazedathiminamazement。
\"IwillgiveyournotetoMaimie，\"hesaid，\"butyouwillbebackhereifIknowmyself。I\'llseefatheraboutthis。\"
\"Now，Harry，\"saidRanald，risingandputtinghishandonhisshoulder，\"youarenotgoingtomixupinthisatall；andformysake，oldchap，don\'tmakeanyrowathome。Promiseme，\"saidRanaldagainholdinghimfast。
\"Well，Ipromise，\"saidHarry，reluctantly，\"butI\'llbehangedifIunderstanditatall；andItellyouthis，thatifyoudon\'tcomebackhere，neithershallI。\"
\"Nowyouaretalkingrot，Harry，\"saidRanald，andsatdownagaintohisdesk。Harrywentoutinastateofdazedastonishment。
AloneRanaldsatinhisofficewritingsteadilyexceptthatnowandthenhepausedtoletasmileflutteracrosshisstern，setface，asagleamofsunshineoveraruggedrockonacloudyday。Hewaslisteningtohisheart，whoseeverybeatkeptsingingtherefrain，\"Iloveher，Iloveher；shewillcometome！\"
AtthatverymomentMaimiewasshowingherAuntMurrayherLondondressesandfinery，andrecountinghertriumphsinthatlandofsocialglory。
\"Howlovely，howwonderfullylovelytheyare，\"saidMrs。Murray，touchingthebeautifulfabricswithfondfingers；\"andIamsuretheywillsuityouwell，mydear。Haveyouwornmostofthem？\"
\"No，notall。ThisoneIworetheeveningIwentwiththeLordArcherstotheHeathcote\'sball。LordHeathcote，youknow，isanuncleofCaptainDeLacy。\"
\"WasCaptainDeLacythere？\"inquiredMrs。Murray。
\"Yes，indeed，\"criedMaimie，\"andwehadalovelytime！\"eitherthememoryofthateveningbroughtthewarmblushestoherface，oritmaybethethoughtofwhatshewasabouttotellheraunt；\"andCaptainDeLacyiscomingto-morrow。\"
\"Comingto-morrow？\"
\"Yes，hehaswrittentoAuntFrank，andtopapaaswell。\"
Mrs。Murraysatsilent，apparentlynotknowingwhattosay，andMaimiestoodwiththedressinherhandswaitingforheraunttospeak。AtlengthMrs。Murraysaid：\"YouknewCaptainDeLacybefore，Ithink。\"
\"Oh，Ihaveknownhimforalongtime，andhe\'sjustsplendid，auntie，andhe\'scomingto——\"Maimiepaused，butherfacetoldhersecret。
\"Doyoumeanheisgoingtospeaktoyourfatheraboutyou，Maimie？\"Maimienodded。\"Andareyouglad？\"
\"He\'sveryhandsome，auntie，andverynice，andhe\'sawfullywellconnected，andthatsortofthing，andwhenLordHeathcotedieshehasagoodchanceoftheestatesandthetitle。\"
\"Doyoulovehim，Maimie？\"askedheraunt，quietly。
Maimiedroppedthedress，andsittingdownuponalowstool，turnedherfacefromheraunt，andlookedoutofthewindow。
\"Oh，Isupposeso，auntie，\"shesaid。\"He\'sveryniceandgentlemanlyandIliketobewithhim——\"
\"But，Maimie，dear，areyounotsurethatyoulovehim？\"
\"Oh，Idon\'tknow，\"saidMaimie，petulantly。\"Areyounotpleased，auntie？\"
\"Well，IconfessIamsurprised。IdonotknowCaptainDeLacy，andbesidesIthoughtitwas——Ithoughtyou——\"Mrs。Murraypaused，whileMaimie\'sfacegrewhotwithfieryblushes，butbeforeshecouldreplytheyheardHarry\'ssteponthestairs，andinamomentheburstintotheroom。
\"Ranaldisn\'tcoming！\"heexclaimed。\"Here\'sanoteforyou，Maimie。Butwhatthe——butwhathemeans，\"saidHarry，checkinghimself，\"Ican\'tmakeout。\"
\"Notcoming？\"criedMaimie，theflushfadingfromherface。\"Whatcanhemean？\"Sheopenedthenote，andasshereadthebloodrushedquicklyintoherfaceagain，andasquicklyfled，leavingherpaleandtrembling。
\"Well，whatdoeshesay？\"inquiredHarry，bluntly。
\"Hesaysitisimpossibleforhimtocometonight，\"saidMaimie，puttingthenoteintoherbosom。
\"Huh！\"gruntedHarry，andflungoutoftheroom。
ImmediatelyMaimiepulledoutthenote。
\"Oh，auntie，\"shecried，\"Iamsomiserable；Ranaldisnotcomingandhesays——therereadit。\"ShehurriedlythrustthenoteintoMrs。Murray\'shands，andMrs。Murray，openingit，read：
MYDEARMAIMIE：Itisimpossibleformetogotoyoutonight。
YourfatherandIhavehadadifferencesoseriousthatIcanneverenterhishouseagain，butIamwritingnowtotellyouwhatI
meanttotellyouto-night。Iloveyou，Maimie。Iloveyouwithallmyheartandsoul。IhavelovedyousincethenightIpulledyoufromthefire。
\"Maimie，\"saidMrs。Murray，handingherbackthenote，\"Idonotthinkyououghttogivemethis。Thatistoosacredforanyeyesbutyourown。\"
\"Oh，Iknow，auntie，butwhatcanIdo？IamsosorryforRanald！
WhatshallIdo，auntie？\"
\"Mydearchild，inthisneitherInoranyonecanadviseyou。Youmustbetruetoyourself。\"
\"Oh，IwishIknewwhattodo！\"criedMaimie。\"Hewantsmetotellhim——\"Maimiepaused，herfaceoncemorecoveredwithblushes，\"andIdonotknowwhattosay！\"
\"Whatdoesyourheartsay，Maimie？\"saidMrs。Murray，quietly。
\"Oh，auntie，Iamsomiserable！\"
\"But，Maimie，\"continuedheraunt，\"inthismatter，asIsaidbefore，youmustbetruetoyourself。DoyouloveRanald？\"
\"Oh，auntie，Icannottell，\"criedMaimie，puttingherfaceinherhands。
\"IfRanaldwereDeLacywouldyoulovehim？\"
\"Ohyes，yes，howhappyIwouldbe！\"
ThenMrs。Murrayrose。\"Maimie，dear，\"shesaid，andhervoicewasverygentlebutveryfirm，\"letmespeaktoyouforyourdearmother\'ssake。Donotdeceiveyourself。Donotgiveyourlifeforanythingbutlove。Ranaldisanoblemanandhewillbeagreatmansomeday，andIlovehimasmyownson，butIwouldnothaveyougiveyourselftohimunlessyoutrulylovedhim。\"ShedidnotmentionDeLacy\'snamenorutterawordincomparisonofthetwo，butlisteningtohervoice，Maimieknewonlytoowellwhitherherlovehadgone。
\"Oh，auntie，\"shecried，\"Icannotbearit！\"
\"Yes，Maimiedear，youcanbeartodotheright，forthereisOneinwhosestrengthwecandoallthings。\"
BeforeMaimiecouldreplyherAuntFrancescamein。
\"Itisdinner-time，\"sheannounced，\"andyourfatherhasjustcomein，Maimie，andwemusthavedinneroveratonce。\"
Maimierose，andgoingtotheglass，smoothedbackherhair。HerAuntFrancesglancedatherfaceandthenatMrs。Murray，andasiffearingMaimie\'sreply，wentonhurriedly，\"Youmustlookyourverybestto-night，andevenbetterto-morrow，\"shesaid，smiling，significantly。ShecameandputherhandsonMaimie\'sshoulders，andkissingher，said：\"HaveyoutoldyourAuntMurraywhoiscomingto-morrow？IamsureI\'mverythankful，mydear，youwillbeveryhappy。Itisanexcellentmatch。Halfthegirlsintownwillbewildwithenvy。Hehaswrittenaverymanlylettertoyourfather，andIamsureheisanoblefellow，andhehasexcellentprospects。Butwemusthurrydowntodinner，\"shesaid，turningtoMrs。Murray，whowithalookofsadnessonherpaleface，lefttheroomwithoutaword。
\"Ranaldisnotcoming，\"saidMaimie，whenherAuntMurrayhadgone。
\"Indeed，fromwhatyourfathersays，\"criedAuntFrank，indignantly，\"Idonotverywellseehowhecould。Hehasbeenmostimpertinent。\"
\"Youarenottosaythat，AuntFrank，\"criedMaimie。\"Ranaldcouldnotbeimpertinent，andIwillnothearit。\"HertonewassohaughtyandfiercethatAuntFrankthoughtitwisertopursuethissubjectnofurther。
\"Well，\"shesaid，assheturnedtoleavetheroom，\"I\'mverygladhehasthegracetokeepawaytonight。Hehasalwaysstruckmeasayoungmanofsomepresumption。\"
WhenthedoorcloseduponherMaimietorethenotefromherbosomandpresseditagainandagaintoherlips：\"Oh，Ranald，Ranald，\"
shecried，\"Iloveyou！Iloveyou！Oh，whycanitnotbe？Oh，I
cannot——Icannotgivehimup！\"Shethrewherselfuponherkneesandlaidherfaceinthebed。Inafewminutestherecameatapatthedoor，andherAuntFrances\'svoicewasheard，\"Maimie，yourfatherhasgonedown；wemustnotdelay。\"Thetonewasincisiveandmatter-of-fact。ItsaidtoMaimie，\"Nowlet\'shavenononsense。Beasensiblewomanoftheworld。\"Maimierosefromherknees。Hastilyremovingalltracesoftearsfromherface，andglancingintheglass，shetouchedthelittleringletsintoplaceandwentdowntodinner。
Itwasadepressingmeal。Mr。St。Clairwasirritable；Harryperplexedandsullen；Maimienervouslytalkative。Mrs。Murraywasheroicallyholdingherselfincommand，butthelookofpaininhereyesandthepathetictremoronherlipsbeliedthebravesmilesandcheerfulwordswithwhichshesecondedAuntFrank。
Afterdinnerthecompanyseparated，fortherewerestillpreparationstomakefortheevening。AsMrs。Murraywasgoingtoherroom，shemetHarryinthehallwithhishaton。
\"Whereareyougoing，Harry？\"
\"Anywhere，\"hegrowled，fiercely，\"togetoutofthisdamnablehypocrisy！Pardonme，AuntMurray，Ican\'thelpit，itISdamnable，andawholelotofthemareinit！\"
ThenMrs。Murraycame，andlayingherhandonhisarm，said：
\"Don\'tgo，Harry；don\'tleaveme；Iwantsomeone；comeupstairs。\"
Harrystoodlookingatthesweetface，tryingtosmilesobravelyinspiteofthetremulouslips。
\"Youareadear，bravelittlewoman，\"hesaid，hanginguphishat，\"andI\'llbehangedifIdon\'tstaybyyou。Comealongupstairs。\"
Hestooped，andliftingherinhisarmsinspiteofherlaughingprotests，carriedherupstairstoherroom。Whentheycamedowntothepartytheybothlookedbraverandstronger。
Thepartywasagreatsuccess。Theappointmentswereperfect；themusicthebestthatcouldbehad，andMaimiemorebeautifulthanever。Insomemysteriousway，knownonlytoAuntFrank，therumorofMaimie\'sapproachingengagementgotaboutamongtheguestsandproducedanundertoneofexcitementtotheeveningsgayety。Maimiewastooexcitedtobequitenatural，butshehadneverappearedmorebrilliantandhappy，andsurelyshehadeverycause。Shehadachievedadizzysummitofsocialsuccessthatmadeheratoncethesubjectofherfriends\'congratulationsandherrivals\'secretenvy，andwhichwasthemoredelightfulitwouldbehardtosay。
Truly，shewasafortunategirl，butstillthenightwaslong，andshewastiredofitallbeforeitwasover。Theroomseemedempty，andoftenherheartgavealeapashereyesfelluponsomeformthatappearedmorehandsomeandstrikingthanothersnear，butonlytosinkagainindisappointmentwhenasecondglancetoldherthatitwasonlysomeordinaryman。Kate，too，keptaloofinaveryunpleasantway，andHarry，devotinghimselftoKate，hadnotdonehisduty。Butinspiteofeverythingthepartyhadbeenagreatsuccess，andwhenitwasoverMaimiewentstraighttobedtosleep。
SheknewthatRanaldwouldbeawaitingtheanswertohisnote，butshecouldnotbringherselftofacewhatsheknewwouldbeanordealthatmightmurdersleepforher，andsleepshemusthave，forshemustbeherbestto-morrow。Itwouldhavebeenbetterforallinvolvedhadshewrittenheranswerthatnight；otherwiseRanaldwouldnothavebeenstandingatherdoorintheearlyafternoonaskingtoseeher。ItwasAuntFranceswhocamedowntothedrawing-room。AsRanaldstoodupandbowed，sheadjustedherpince-nezuponheraristocraticnose，andviewedhim。
\"YouarewishingtoseeMissSt。Clair，\"shesaid，inherverychilliesttone。
\"IaskedtoseeMaimie，\"saidRanald，lookingatherwithcool，steadyeyes。
\"Imustsay，Mr。Macdonald，thatafteryourconducttomybrotheryesterday，Iamsurprisedyoushouldhavetheassurancetoenterhishouse。\"
\"Iwouldprefernotdiscussingofficematterswithyou，\"saidRanald，politely，andwithasuspicionofasmile。\"IhavecometoseeMaimie。\"
\"That，Iamgladtosay，isimpossible，forsheisatpresentoutwithCaptainDeLacywhohasjustarrivedfromtheEastto——see——
to——inshort，onaveryspecialerrand。\"
ForamomentRanaldstoodwithoutreply。
\"Sheisout，yousay？\"heansweredatlength。
\"SheisoutwithCaptainDeLacy。\"Hecaughtthetouchoftriumphinhervoice。
\"Willshebebacksoon？\"inquiredRanald，lookingbaffled。
\"Ofcourseonecannottellinsuchacase，\"answeredMissSt。Clair，\"butIshouldthinknot。\"MissSt。Clairwasenjoyingherself。Itdidhergoodtoseethisinsolent，square-jawedyoungmanstandinghelplessbeforeher。
\"ItisimportantthatIshouldseeher，\"saidRanald，afterafewmoments\'thought。\"Ishallwait。\"HadMissSt。Clairknownhimbettershewouldhavenoticedwithsomeconcerntheslowfireskindlinginhiseyes。Asitwasshebecameindignant。
\"That，Mr。Macdonald，youshallnot；andallowmetosayfranklythatyourboldness——yourinsolence——Imaysay，isbeyondallbounds。\"
\"Insolence，andwhen？\"Ranaldwasveryquiet。
\"Youcometothehouseofyouremployer，whomyouhaveinsulted，anddemandtoseehisdaughter。\"
\"Ihavearighttoseeher。\"
\"Right？Whatrighthaveyou，pray？\"
ThenRanaldstoodupandlookedMissSt。Clairfullinthefacewitheyesfairlyalight。
\"MissSt。Clair，haveyoueverknownwhatitistolovewithallyoursoulandheart？\"MissSt。Clairgasped。\"Becauseifnot，youwillnotunderstandme；ifyouhaveyouwillknowwhyImustseeMaimie。ItissevenyearsnowsinceIbegantoloveher。I
rememberthespotinthewoods；Iseethebigtreetherebehindherandtherisinggroundstretchingawaytotheright。IseetheplacewhereIpulledheroutofthefire。EverymorningsincethattimeIhavewakedwiththethoughtofher；everynightmyeyeshaveclosedwithavisionofherbeforeme。ItisforherIhavelivedandworked。Itellyousheismine！Iloveher！Iloveher，andshelovesme。Iknowit。\"Hiswordscamelow，fierce，andswift。
MissSt。Clairstoodbreathless。Whatamanhelookedandhowhandsomehewas！
Withbutamoment\'spauseRanaldwenton，buthisvoicetookagentlertone。\"MissSt。Clair，doyouunderstandme？Yes，Iknowyoudo。\"Thebloodcameflowingsuddenlytoherthincheeks。\"YousaysheisoutwithCaptainDeLacy，andyoumeanmetothinkthatsheistogiveherselftohim。Helovesher，Iknow，butIsaysheismine！Hereyeshavetoldmethat。Sheismine，Itellyou，andnomanlivingwilltakeherfromme。\"Thefirethatalwaysslumberedinhiseyeswasnowblazinginfullfury。Thegreatpassionofhislifewasragingthroughhissoul，vibratinginhisvoice，andglowinginhisdarkface。MissSt。Clairsatsilent，andthenmotionedhimtoaseat。
\"Mr。Macdonald，\"shesaid，withgravecourtesy，\"youaretoolate，Ifear。Ididnotrealize——Maimiewillneverbeyours。Iknowmyniece。\"Atthesadearnestnessofhervoice，Ranald\'sfacebegantogrowpale。
\"Iwillwaitforher，\"hesaid，quietly。
\"Ibegyouwillnot。\"
\"Iwillwait，\"herepeated，withlipstightpressed。
\"Itisvain，Mr。Macdonald，Iassureyou。Spareyourselfandher。
Iknowwhat——Icouldhave——\"Hervoicegrewhusky。
\"Iwillwait，\"oncemorerepliedRanald，thelinesofhisfacegrowingtense。
MissSt。Clairroseandgavehimherhand。\"Iwillsendafriendtoyou，andIbegyoutoexcuseme，\"Ranaldbowedgravely，\"andtoforgiveme，\"andshelefttheroom。Ranaldheardherpassthroughthehallandupthestairsandthenadoorclosedbehindher。
Beforehehadtimetogatherhisthoughtstogetherheheardavoiceoutsidethatmadehisheartstandstill。ThenthefrontdooropenedquicklyandMaimieandDeLacystoodinthehall。Shewasgaylytalking。Ranaldroseandstoodwithhisbacktothedoor。
Beforehimwasalargemirrorwhichreflectedthehallthroughtheopendoor。Hestoodwaitingforthemtoenter。
\"Hangupyourhat，CaptainDeLacy，thengoinandfindachairwhileIrunupstairs，\"criedMaimie，gayly。\"Youmustlearnyourwayaboutherenow。\"
\"No，\"saidDeLacy，inalow，distinctvoice。\"Icanwaitnolonger，Maimie。\"
Shelookedathimamomentasifinfear。
\"Come，\"hesaid，holdingouthishandstoher。\"Therewasnochanceinthepark，andIcanwaitnolonger。\"Slowlyshecamenear。\"Mydarling，mysweetheart，\"hesaid，inalowvoicefullofintensepassion。Then，whileshelayinhisarms，hekissedheronthelipstwice。Ranaldstoodgazinginthemirrorasiffascinated。
Astheirlipsmetalowgroanburstfromhim。Hefacedabout，andwithasinglestep，stoodinthedoorway。ShriekaftershriekechoedthroughthehouseasMaimiesprangfromDeLacy\'sarmsandshrankbacktothewall。
\"Greatheavens，\"criedDeLacy，\"whyit\'sMacdonald！Whatthedeucedoyoumeancominginonpeoplelikethat？\"
\"Whatisit，Maimie，\"criedherAuntFrank，hurryingdownstairs。
ThenshesawRanaldstandinginthedoorway，withfacebloodless，ghastly，livid。Quicklyshewentuptohim，andsaid，inavoicetremblingandnotungentle：\"Oh，whydidyouwait，Mr。Macdonald；
goawaynow，goaway。\"
Ranaldturnedandlookedatherwithacuriousuncomprehendinggaze，andthensaid，\"Yes，Iwillgoaway。\"HetookasteptowardMaimie，hiseyeslikeluridflames。Sheshrankfromhim，whileDeLacysteppedinhispath。WithasweepofhisarmhebrushedDeLacyaside，hurlinghimcrashingagainstthewall，andstoodbeforetheshrinkinggirl。
\"Goodby，Maimie；forgetthatIlovedyouonce。\"
Thewordscameslowlyfromhispallidlips。Forsomemomentshestoodwithhisburningeyesfasteneduponherface。Thenheturnedslowlyfromherandgropedblindlyforhishat。MissSt。Clairhurriedtowardhim，foundhishat，andputtingitinhishand，said，inabrokenvoice，whiletearspoureddownhercheeks：\"Hereitis；goodby，goodby。\"
Helookedatheramomentasifinsurprise，andthen，withasmileofraresweetnessonhiswhitelips，hesaid，\"Ithankyou，\"andpassedout，goingfeeblylikeamanwhohasgotadeathwound。
CHAPTERXXIII
AGOODTRUEFRIEND
Itwasspringtimeandtheparksandavenueswereinallthedaintysplendoroftheirnewleaves。TheafternoonMaysunwasfloodingthecitywithgoldandsilverlight，andalltheairwastremulouswiththesingingofbirds。Agooddayitwastoliveifonecouldonlyliveinthesunnyairwithinsightofthegreenleavesandwithinsoundofthesingingbirds。Adayforlifeandloveitwas；
atleastsoKatethoughtasshedrewupherprancingteamattheSt。ClairhousewhereHarrystoodwaitingforher。
\"DEARKate，\"hecried，\"howstunningyouare！Iloveyou！\"
\"Come，Harry，jumpup！Bretonisgettingexcited。\"
\"Stony-heartedwretch，\"grumbledHarry。\"DidyouhearmetellyouIloveyou？\"
\"Nonsense，Harry，jumpin；I\'llreporttoLilyLangford。\"
\"Don\'ttell，\"pleadedHarry，\"anddokeepBretononallfours。
Thisisn\'tacircus。Youterrifyme。\"
\"Wehaveonlytimetomakethetrain，hurryup！\"criedKate。
\"Steady，myboys。\"
\"Someday，Kate，those\'boys\'ofyourswillbeyourdeathorthedeathofsomeofyourfriends，\"saidHarry，ashespranginandtookhisplacebesideKate。\"ThatBretonoughttobeshot。Itreallyaffectsmyhearttodrivewithyou。\"
\"Youhaven\'tany，Harry，youknowthatrightwell，sodon\'tbealarmed。\"
\"Quitetrue，\"saidHarry，sentimentally，\"notsincethatnight，don\'tyouremember，Kate，whenyou——\"
\"Now，Harry，IonlyremindyouthatIalwaystellmygirlfriendseverythingyousay。Itisthisweddingthat\'sgotintoyourblood。\"
\"Isupposeso，\"murmuredHarry，pensively；\"wishitwouldgetintoyours。Nowseriously，Kate，atyouryearsyouought——\"
\"Harry，\"saidKate，indignantly，\"Ireallydon\'tneedyouatthestation。Icanmeetyourauntquitewellwithoutyou。ShallIsetyoudownhere，ordriveyoutotheoffice？\"
\"Oh，nottotheoffice，Ientreat！Ientreat！Anythingbutthat！
SurelyImaybeallowedthisday！Ishallbecarefulofyoursensitivepoints，butIdohopethisweddingofMaimie\'swillgiveyouseriousthoughts。\"
Katewassilent，givingherattentiondoubtlesstoherteam。Then，withseemingirrelevance，shesaid：\"Didn\'tIseeColonelThorpyesterdayintown？\"
\"Yes，theoldheathen！Ihaven\'tforgivenhimfortakingoffRanaldashedid。\"
\"Hedidn\'ttakeoffRanald。Ranaldwasgoingoffanyway。\"
\"Howdoyouknow？\"saidHarry。
\"Iknow，\"repliedKate，withalittlecolorinhercheek。\"Hetoldmehimself。\"
\"Well，oldThorpwasmightygladtogethim；Icantellyouthat。
Theoldsinner！\"
\"He\'sjustadear！\"criedKate。\"Yes，hewasgladtogetRanald。
Whatasplendidpositionhegavehim。\"
\"Oh，yes，Iknow，headoresyoulikealltherest，andsoyouthinkhimadear。\"
ButthisKateignoredfortheteamwerespeedingalongatanalarmingpace。Withamazingskillanddashshethreadedherwaythroughthecrowdedstreetswithalmostnocheckingofherspeed。
\"Dobecareful，\"criedHarry，asthewheelsoftheircarriageskimmedthenosesofthecar-horses。\"Iamquitesuremyauntwillnotbeabletorecognizeme。\"
\"Andwhynot？\"
\"BecauseIshallbegray-hairedbythetimeIreachthestation。\"
\"There\'sthetrainIdobelieve，\"criedKate，flourishingherwhipoverherhorses\'backs。\"Wemustnotbelate。\"
\"Ifweevergettherealive，\"saidHarry。
\"Herewearesureenough。\"
\"ShallIgotothetrain？\"
\"No，indeed，\"criedKate。\"DoyouthinkIamgoingtoallowanyonetomeetMYAuntMurraybutmyself？Ishallgo；youholdthehorses。\"
\"Iamafraid，really，\"criedHarry，pretendingterror。
\"Oh，Ifancyyouwilldo，\"criedKate，smilingsweetly，assheranofftomeettheincomingtrain。InafewmomentsshereturnedwithMrs。Murrayandcarryingalarge，blackvalise。
\"Hello，auntiedear，\"criedHarry。\"YouseeIcan\'tleavethesebrutesofKate\'s，butbelievemeitdoesmegoodtoseeyou。Whatablessingaweddingistobringyoutous。Isupposeyouwon\'tcomeagainuntilitisKate\'sormine。\"
\"Thatwouldbesuretobringme，\"criedMrs。Murray，smilingherbrightsmile，\"providedyoumarriedtherightpersons。\"
\"Why，auntie，\"saidHarry，dismally，\"Kateissounreasonable。Shewon\'ttakeevenme。Youseeshe\'ssotremendouslyimpressedwithherself，andallthefellowsspoilher。\"
BythistimeKatehadthereinsandHarryhadclimbedintothebackseat。
\"Dearoldauntie，\"hesaid，kissinghisaunt，\"Iamreallydelightedtoseeyou。ButtoreturntoKate。Lookather！
Doesn\'tshelooklikeaRomanprincess？\"
\"Now，Harry，dobesensible，orIshallcertainlydriveyouatoncetotheoffice，\"saidKate，severely。
\"Oh，theheartlessnessofher。SheknowswellenoughthatColonelThorpisthere，andshewouldshamelesslyexultoverhisabjectdevotion。Sherespectsneitherinnocentyouthnorgrayhairs，aswitnessmyselfandColonelThorp。\"
\"Isn\'theasillyboy，auntie？\"saidKate，\"andheisnotmuchimprovingwithage。\"
\"Butwhat\'sthisaboutColonelThorp？\"saidMrs。Murray。\"SometimesRanaldwritesofhim，inhighterms，too。\"
\"Well，yououghttohearThorpabuseRanald。Sayshe\'sruiningthecompanywithhisvariousphilanthropicschemes，\"saidHarry，\"butyoucannevertellwhathemeansexactly。He\'sawilyoldcustomer。\"
\"Don\'tbelievehim，auntie，\"saidKate，withasagacioussmile。
\"ColonelThorpthinksthatthewholefutureofhiscompanyandoftheProvincedependssolelyuponRanald。Itisquiteridiculoustohearhim，whileallthetimeheisabusinghimforhisfreaks。\"
\"Itmustbeagreatcountryoutthere，though，\"saidHarry，\"andwhatarowtheyaremakingoverConfederation。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean，Harry？\"saidMrs。Murray。\"Wehearsolittleinthecountry。\"
\"Well，Idon\'tknowexactly，butthosefellowsinBritishColumbiaaremakingallsortsofthreatsthatunlessthisrailwayisbuiltforthwiththeywillbackoutoftheDominion，andsomeofthemtalkofannexationwiththeUnitedStates。Don\'tIwishIwasthere！
WhataluckyfellowRanaldis。Thorpsayshe\'sabiggunalready。
Noendofaswell。Ofcourse，asmanagerofabigconcernliketheBritish-AmericanCoalandLumberCompany，heisamanofsomeimportance。\"
\"Idon\'tthinkheistakingmuchtodowithpublicquestions，\"saidKate，\"thoughhedidmakeaspeechatNewWestminsternotlongago。
Hehasbeenupinthoseterriblewoodsalmosteversincehewent。\"
\"Hello，howdoyouknow？\"saidHarry，lookingathersuspiciously；
\"IgetafragmentofanotefromRanaldnowandthen，butheisaltogethertoobusytorememberhumblepeople。\"
\"IhearregularlyfromColey。YourememberColey，don\'tyou？\"saidKate，turningtoMrs。Murray。
\"Oh，yes，that\'stheladinwhomRanaldwassointerestedintheInstitute。\"
\"Yes，\"repliedKate；\"ColeybeggedandprayedtogowithRanald，andsohewent。\"
\"Sheomitstostate，\"saidHarry，\"thatshealso\'beggedandprayed\'andfurtherthatsheoutfittedtheyoungrascal，thoughI\'vereasontothankProvidenceforremovinghimtoanothersphere。\"
\"Howdoesitaffectyou？\"saidMrs。Murray。
\"Why，haven\'tyouheard，AuntMurray，ofthetremendousheightstowhichIhaveattained？Isupposeshedidn\'ttellyouofherdinnerparty。Thatwasafteryouhadleftlastfall。Itwasagreatbitofgeneralship。SomeofRanald\'sfoot-ballfriends，LittleMerrill，StarryHamilton，that\'sthecaptain，youknow，andmyselfamongthem，wereaskedtoafarewellsupperbythisyounglady，andwhenthemenhadwelldrunk——fed，Imean——andwereproperlydissolvedintearsovertheprospectofRanald\'sdeparture，atacriticalmomenttheInstitutewasintroducedasasideissue。ItwasdeartoRanald\'sheart。AmosteffectivepicturewasdrawnoftheInstitutedesertedandfallingintoruins，sotospeak，withKateheroicallystrugglingtopreventuttercollapse。Couldthisbeallowed？No！athousandtimesno！Someonewouldbefoundsurely！Whowoulditbe！AtthisjunctureKate，whohadbeenmaintainingapowerfulsilence，smileduponLittleMerrill，whobeingdistinctlyinflammable，andforsomemysteriousreasondevotedtoRanald，andforanevenmoremysteriousreasondevotedtoKate，sworehe\'dfollowifsomeonewouldlead。WhatcouldI
do？Mywell-knownabilitiesnaturallysingledmeoutforleadership，sotopreventanysuchcalamity，IimmediatelyproposedthatifStarryHamilton，thegreatfoot-ballchief，wouldcommandthisenterpriseIwouldfollow。BeforetheeveningwasovertheInstitutewasthoroughlymanned。\"
\"Itisnearlyhalftrue，aunt，\"saidKate。
\"Andbyourunitedefforts，\"continuedHarry，\"theInstitutehassurvivedthelossofRanald。\"
\"IcannottellyouhowoverjoyedIam，Harry，thatbothofmyboysaretakingholdofsuchgoodwork，youhereandRanaldinBritishColumbia。Hemusthaveaveryhardtimeofit，buthespeaksverygratefullyofColonelThorp，who，hesays，oftenopposesbutfinallyagreeswithhisproposals。\"
Harrylaughedaloud。\"Agrees，doeshe？Anddoyouknowwhy？I
rememberseeinghimoneday，andhewasinastateofwildfuryatRanald\'snotions。Iwon\'tquotehisexactwords。ThenextdayI
foundhiminastateofblandapproval。ThenIlearnincidentallythatinthemeantimeKatehasbeengivinghimteaandmusic。\"
\"Don\'tlistentohismeaninsinuations，auntie，\"saidKate，blushingalittle。
Mrs。Murrayturnedandlookedcuriouslyintoherfaceandsmiled，andthenKateblushedallthemore。
\"Ithinkthatmayexplainsomethingsthathavebeenmysterioustome，\"shesaid。
\"Oh，what，auntie？\"criedHarry；\"Iammostanxioustoknow。\"
\"Nevermind，\"saidMrs。Murray；\"IwillexplaintoKate。\"
\"Thatwon\'thelpmeany。Sheisamostsecretiveperson，twiddlesusallroundherfingersandneverletsusknowanythinguntilit\'sdone。Itismostexasperating。Oh，Isay，Kate，\"addedHarry，suddenly，\"wouldyouminddroppingmeattheflorist\'shere？\"
\"Why？Oh，Isee，\"saidKate，drawinginherteam。\"Howdoyoudo，Lily？Harryisanxioustoselectsomeflowers，\"shesaid，bowingtoaveryprettygirlonthesidewalk。
\"Kate，dostopit，\"besoughtHarry，inalowvoice，asheleapedoutofthecarriage。\"Goodby，auntie，I\'llseeyouthisevening。
Don\'tbelieveallKatetellsyou，\"headded，astheydroveaway。
\"Areyoutootiredforaturninthepark，\"saidKate，\"orshallwedrivehome？\"
Adriveisalwayspleasant。Besides，onecantalkaboutsomethingswithmorefreedominacarriagethanfacetofaceinone\'sroom。Thehorsesrequireattentionatcriticalmoments，andtherearealwayspointsofinterestwhenitisimportantthatconversationshouldbedeflectedfromthesubjectinhand，sosinceMrs。Murraywaswilling，Kateturnedintothepark。Foranhourtheydrovealongitsshady，windingroadswhileMrs。Murraytalkedofmanythings，butmostlyofRanald，andofthetalesthattheGlengarrypeoplehadofhim。Forwherevertherewaslumberingtobedone，soonerorlaterthereGlengarrymenweretobefound，andRanaldhadfoundthemintheBritishColumbiaforests。AndtotheirpeopleathometheirlettersspokeofRanaldandhisdoingsatfirstdoubtfully，soonmoreconfidently，butalwayswithpride。ToMacdonaldBhainararelettercamefromRanaldnowandthen，whichhewouldcarrytoMrs。Murraywithadifficultpretenseofmodesty。
ForwithMacdonaldBhain，Ranaldwasagreatman。
\"Butheisnotquitesureofhim，\"saidMrs。Murray。\"Hethinksitisaveryqueerwayoflumbering，andthewagesheconsidersexcessive。\"
\"Doeshesaythat？\"askedKate。\"That\'sjustwhatColonelThorpsayshiscompanyaresaying。ButhestandsupforRanaldevenwhenhecan\'tseethathiswayisthebest。ThecolonelisnotverysureaboutRanald\'sschemesforthemen，hisreading-room，library，andthatsortofthing。ButI\'msurehewillsucceed。\"ButKate\'stonebeliedherconfidentwords。
Mrs。MurraynoticedtheanxietyinKate\'svoice。\"Atleastwearesure，\"shesaid，gently，\"thathewilldoright，andafterallthatissuccess。\"
\"Iknowthatrightwell，\"repliedKate；\"butitishardforhimouttherewithnoonetohelphimortoencouragehim。\"
AgainMrs。MurraylookedatKate，curiously。
\"Itmustbeaterribleplace，\"Katewenton，\"especiallyforonelikeRanald，forhehasnomindtoletthingsgo。Hewilldoathingasitoughttobedone，ornotatall。\"SoonafterthisKategavehermindtoherhorses，andinashorttimeheadedthemforhome。
\"Whatadelightfuldrivewehavehad，\"saidMrs。Murray，gratefully，asKatetookherupstairstoherroom。
\"IhopeIhavenotworriedyouwithmydismalforebodings，\"shesaid，withalittlelaugh。
\"No，dear，\"saidMrs。Murray，drawingherfacedowntothepillowwhereKatehadmadeherlayherhead。\"IthinkIunderstand，\"sheadded，inawhisper。
ThenKatelaidherfacebesidethatofherfriendandwhispered，\"Oh，auntie，itissohardforhim\"；butMrs。Murraystrokedherheadsoftlyandsaid：\"Thereisnofear，Kate；allwillbewellwithhim。\"
ImmediatelyafterdinnerKatecarriedMrs。Murraywithhertoherownroom，andafterestablishingherinallpossiblecomfort，shebegantoreadextractsfromColey\'sletters。
\"Hereisthefirst，auntie；theyaremorepicturesquethanelegant，butifyouknewColey，youwouldn\'tmind；you\'dbegladtogetanyletterfromhim。\"SosayingKateturnedherbacktothewindow，apositionwiththedoubleadvantageofallowingthelighttofalluponthepaperandtheshadowtorestuponherface，andsoproceededtoread：
DEARMISSKATE：Wegothere——\"ThatistoNewWestminster。\"lastnight，anditisaqueertown。Thestreetsruneveryway，thehousesareallbuiltofwood，andalmostnoneofthemarepainted。
Thestreetsarefullofallsortsofpeople。IsawlotsofChinamenandIndians。Itmakesafellerfeelkindo\'queerasifhewasinsomeforeigncountry。Thehotelwherewestoppedwasaprettygoodlookin\'place。Ofcoursenothin\'likethehotelwestoppedatinSanFrancisco。Itwasprettyfineinside，butaftersupperwhenthecrowdbegantocomeintothebaryouneversawsuchaganginyourlife！Theyknewhowtoslingtheirmoney，I
cantellyou。Andthentheybeguntoyellandcutup。ItellyouitwouldmaketheWardseemlikeaSundayschool。TheBoss，that\'swhattheycallhimhere，Iguessdidn\'tlikeitmuch，andIdon\'tthinkyouwould，either。Nextmorningwewenttolookatthemills。Theyarejustshedswithslabroofs。Idon\'tthinkmuchofthemmyself，thoughIdon\'tknowmuchaboutmills。TheBosswentroundaskin\'questionsandIdon\'tthinkhelikedthelookofthemmucheither。IknowhekepthislipsshutprettytightasweusedtoseehimdosometimesintheInstitute。Iamawfulgladhebroughtmealong。HesaysIhavegottowritetoyouatleastonceamonth，andI\'vegottotakecareofmywritin\'tooandgetthespellin\'right。WhenIthinkofthefellersbackinthealleyspitchin\'penniesItellyouI\'drutherdiethangoback。Hereafellerfeelshe\'salive。IwishI\'dpaidmoreattentiontomywritin\'inthenightschool，butIguessIwasprettymuchofafoolthemdays，andyouwereawfulgoodtome。TheBosssaysthatamanmustalwayspayhisway，andwhenItoldhimIwantedtopayforthemclothesyougavemehelookedkindo\'funny，buthesaid\"that\'sright，\"soIwantyoutotellmewhattheycostandIwillpayyoufirstthing，forI\'mgoin\'tobeamanoutinthiscountry。
We\'regoin\'uptherivernextweekandseethegangsworkin\'upthereinthebush。It\'skindo\'lonesomeheregoin\'alongthestreetandlookin\'peopleinthefacestoseeifyoucanseeoneyouknow。LotsoftimesIthoughIdidseesomeoneIknewbutitwasn\'t。Goodby，I\'llwriteyousoonagain。
Yourstruly，MICHAELCOLE。
\"Thesecondletter，\"Katewenton，\"iswrittenfromthecamp，TwentymileCamp，hecallsit。Hetellshowtheywentuptheriverinthesteamer，takingwiththemsomenewhandsfortheircamp，andhowthesemencameonboardhalfdrunk，andhowallthewayuptoYaletheyweredrinkingandfighting。Itmusthavebeenhorrible。
Afterthattheywentonsmallerboatsandthenbywagons。Ontheroadsitmusthavebeenterrible。Coleyseemsmuchimpressedwiththebigtrees。Hesays：
\"Thesebigtreesareprettyhardtowriteaboutwithoutsayin\'
wordstheBossdon\'tallow。Itmakesyouthinkofbein\'inSt。
Michaels，it\'ssoquietandsolemn-like，andIneverfeltsosmallinallmylife。TheBossandmewalkedthelastpartoftheway，andgottocamplateandprettytired，andthemenwebroughtinwithuswasallprettymad，buttheBossneverpaidnoattentionto\'embutwentwhistlin\'aboutasifeverythingwaslovely。Wehadsomeporkandbeansforsupper，thenwenttosleepinabunknailedupagainstthesideoftheshanty。Itwasashardasaboard，butItellyouitfeltprettygood。NextdayIwentwanderin\'\'roundwiththeforemanandtheBoss。ItellyouIwasafraidtogetveryfarawayfrom\'em，forI\'dbesuretogetlost；thebushisthatthickthatyoucan\'tseeyourownlengthaheadofyou。Thatnight，whentheBossandmeandtheforemanwasintheshantytheycalltheoffice，aftersupper，weheardamostawfulrow。\'What\'sthat？\'saystheBoss。\'O，that\'snothin\'，\'saystheforeman；\'theboysishavin\'alittlefun，Iguess。\'Hedidn\'tsayanything，butwentontalkin\'，butinalittlewhiletherowgotworse，andweheardpoundin\'andsmashin\'。\'Doyouallowthatsortofthing？\'
saystheBoss。\'Well，\'hesays，\'Guesstheboysgotsomewhiskeylastnight。Igenerallylet\'emalone。\'\'Well，\'saystheBoss，quiet-like，\'Ithinkyou\'dbettergoinandstopit。\'\'NotifI
knowmyself，\'saystheforeman，\'Iain\'torderedmyfuneralyet。\'
\'Well，we\'llgoinandsee，anyway，\'saystheBoss。ItellyouI
waskindo\'scared，butIthoughtImightaswellgoalong。Whenwegotintothesleepin\'shantytherewasacoupleoffellerswithhand-spikesbreakin\'upthebenchesandknockin\'thingsaroundmostterrible。\'Say，boys，\'yelledtheforeman，andthenhebegantoswearmostawful。Theydidn\'tseemtopaymuchattention，butkeptonknockin\'aroundandswearin\'。\'Come，now，\'saystheforeman，kindo\'coaxin\'like，\'thisain\'tnowaytoact。Getdownandbehaveyourselves。\'Butstilltheydidn\'tpaynoattention。ThentheBosswalkeduptothebiggestone，andwhenhegotquitecloseto\'emtheyallgotstilllookin\'on。\'I\'lltakethathand-spike，\'
saystheBoss。\'Helpyourself，\'saysthemanswingin\'itup。I
don\'tknowwhathappened，itwasdonesoquick，butbeforeyoucouldcountthreethatfellerwasonhiskneesbleedin\'likeapigandthehand-spikewasoutofthedoor，andtheBosswalksuptotheotherfellerandsays，\'Putthathand-spikeoutside。\'Hebeguntoswear。\'Putitout，\'saystheBoss，quiet-like，andthefellerbacksupandthrowshishand-spikeout。AndtheBossupandspeaksandsays，\'Lookhere，men，Idon\'twanttointerferewithnobody，andwon\'twhilehebehaveshimself，butthereain\'tgoin\'tobeanyrowlikethatinthiscamp。Say，yououghttohaveseen\'em！Theysatlikethegangusedtointhenightschool，andthenheturnedandwalkedoutandweallfolleredhim。Iguesstheyain\'tusedtothatsortofthinginthiscamp。Iheardthementalkin\'nextdayprettybigofwhattheywasgoin\'todo，butIdon\'tthinkthey\'lldomuch。Theydon\'tlookthatkind。Anyway，ifthere\'sgoin\'tobeafight，I\'dfeelsaferwiththeBossthanwiththewholelotof\'em。\"
\"Theletterafterthis，\"wentonKate，\"tellsofwhathappenedtheSundayfollowing。\"
\"We\'dgoneoutintheafternoon，Bossandme，forawalk，andwhenwegotbackthecampwasjusthowlin\'drunk，andtheforemanwasworstofall。Theykindo\'quieteddownforalittlewhenwecomeinandletusgetintotheoffice，butprettysoontheybeganactin\'upfunnyagainandswearin\'mostawful。ThenIseetheBossshutuphislipshard，andIsaystomyself\'Lookoutforblood。\'
Thenhestartsoverforthebunkshanty。Iwasmightyscared，andfolleredhimclose。Justasweshovedopenthedoorabottlecomesingin\'throughtheairandsmashedtoathousandbitsonthebeamabove。\'Isthatthekindofcowardsyouare？\'saystheBoss，quitecool。Hedidn\'tspeakloud，butItellyoueverybodyheardhimandgotdeadstill。\'No，Boss，\'saysonefeller，\'notall。\'\'Themanthatthrewthatbottle，\'saystheboss，\'isacoward，andthemeanestkind。He\'safraidtostepouthereforfiveminutes。\'
Nobodymoved。\'Stepup，yebaste，\'saysanIrishman，\'orit\'smesilfwillkickyeoutofthecamp。\'Andoutthefellercomes。
ItwasthesameduckthattheBossscaredoutofthedoorthefirstnight。\'Sthanduptill\'imBillie，\'saystheIrishman；\'we\'llseefairplay。Sthanduptothegintleman。\'\'Billie，\'saystheBoss，andhiseyeswasblazin\'likecandles；\'yergoin\'toleavethiscampto-morrowmornin\'。Youcantakeyourchoice；willyougetontoyourkneesnoworlater？\'WiththatBilliewhippedoutaknifeandrushesathim；buttheBossgrabshiswristandgivesitatwist，andtheknifefellontothefloor。TheBossholdshimlikeababy，andpicksuptheknifeandthrowsitintothefire。
\'Now，\'sayshe，\'getontoyourknees。Quick！\'Andthefellerdropsonhisknees，andbelleredlikeacalf。
\"\'Let\'spray，\'sayssomeone，andthecrowdhowls。\'Giveusyerhand，Boss，\'saystheIrishman。\'Yerthetopo\'thisgang。\'TheIrishmanshovesouthisclipper，andtheBosstakesitinaneasykindofaway。Myyouo\'ttoseenthatIrishmansquirm。\'HowlyMither！\'heyells，anddancesround，\'whatdoyethinkyergot？\'
andhegoesofflookin\'athisfingers，andtheBossstandslookin\'
at\'em，andsays，\'You\'ranicelotoffellers，youdon\'tdeserveit；butI\'mgoin\'totreatyoufair。IknowyoufeelSundayprettyslow，andI\'lltrytomakeitbetterforyou；butIwantyoutoknowthatIwon\'thaveanymorerowinthiscamp，andIwon\'thaveanymanherethatcan\'tbehavehimself。To-morrowmorning，YOU，\'
pointin\'attheforeman，\'andyou，Billie，\'andYOU，pointin\'atanotherchap，leavethecamp，andtheydidtoo，thoughtheybeggedandprayedtolet\'emstay，andbynextSundaywehadalotofpapersandbooks，withpicturesin\'em，andabang-updinner，andeverythingwentnice。Iamlikin\'itfine。I\'mtime-keeper，andlookafterthestore；butIdrivetheteamtooeverychanceIget，andI\'drutherdothatalongway。ButmanyanightItellyouwhentheBossandmeisalonewetalkaboutyouandtheInstitutefellers，andtheBoss——\"
\"Well，that\'sall，\"saidKate，\"butisn\'titterrible？Aren\'ttheydreadful？\"
\"Poorfellows，\"saidMrs。Murray；\"it\'saveryhardlifeforthem。\"
\"Butisn\'titawful，auntie？Theymightkillhim，\"saidKate。
\"Yes，dear，\"saidMrs。Murray，inasoothingvoice，\"butitsoundsworsetousperhapsthanitis。\"
Mrs。MurrayhadnotlivedintheIndianLandsfornothing。
\"Oh，ifanythingshouldhappentohim？\"saidKate，withsuddenagitation。
\"WemustjusttrusthimtothegreatKeeper，\"saidMrs。Murray，quietly，\"inWhosekeepingallaresafewhetherthereorhere。\"
Thengoingtohervalise，shetookoutaletterandhandedittoKate，saying：\"That\'shislasttome。Youcanlookatit，Kate。\"
Katetooktheletterandputitinherdesk。\"Ithink，perhaps，wehadbettergodownnow，\"shesaid；\"IexpectColonelThorphascome。Ithinkyouwilllikehim。Heseemsalittlerough，butheisagentleman，andhasatrueheart，\"andtheywentdownstairs。
Itisthemarkofagentlemantoknowhiskind。Hehasaninstinctforwhatisfineandoffersreadyhomagetowhatisworthy。AnyoneobservingColonelThorp\'smannerofreceivingMrs。Murraywouldhaveknownhimatonceforagentleman，forwhenthatlittleladycameintothedrawing-room，dressedinherdecentsilkgown，withsoftwhitelaceatherthroat，bearingherselfwithsweetdignity，andsteppingwithdaintygraceonhertoes，afterthemannerofthefineladiesoftheoldschool，andnotaftertheflat-footed，heel-
firstmodernstyle，thecolonelabandonedhisusualcarelessmannerandroseandstoodrigidlyatattention。
\"Auntie，thisismyfriend，ColonelThorp，\"saidKate。
\"Proudtoknowyoumadam，\"saidthecolonel，withhisfinestmilitarybow。
\"AndIamgladtomeetColonelThorp；Ihaveheardsomuchofhimthroughmyfriends，\"andshesmiledathimwithsuchgenuinekindlinessthatthegallantcolonellosthisheartatonce。
\"Yourfriendshavebeendoingmeproud，\"hesaid，bowingtoherandthentoKate。
\"Oh，youneedn\'tlookatme，\"saidKate；\"youdon\'timagineIhavebeensayingnicethingsaboutyou？Shehasotherfriendsthatthinkmuchofyou。\"
\"Yes，\"saidMrs。Murray，\"Ranaldhasoftenspokenofyou，ColonelThorp，andofyourkindness，\"saidMrs。Murray。
Thecolonellookeddoubtful。\"Well，Idon\'tknowthathethinksmuchofme。Ihavehadtobeprettyhardonhim。\"
\"Why？\"askedMrs。Murray。
\"Well，Ireckonyouknowhimprettywell，\"beganthecolonel。
\"Well，sheoughtto，\"saidKate，\"shebroughthimup，andhismanyvirtuesheowesmostlytomydearaunt\'straining。\"
\"Oh，Kate，youmustnotsaythat，\"saidMrs。Murray，gravely。
\"Then，\"saidthecolonel，\"yououghttobeproudofhim。Youproducedararearticleinthecommercialworld，andthatisamanofhonor。Heisnotforsale，andIwanttosaythatIfeelassafeaboutthecompany\'smoneyoutthereasifIwassettin\'onit；
butheneedswatching，\"addedthecolonel，\"heneedswatching。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"saidMrs。Murray，whosepalefacehadflushedwithpleasureandprideatthecolonel\'spraiseofRanald。
\"Toomuchphilanthropy，\"saidthecolonel，bluntly；\"theBritish-
AmericanCoalandLumberCompanyain\'tabenevolentsocietyexactly。\"
\"Iamgladyouspokeofthat，ColonelThorp；IwanttoaskyouaboutsomethingsthatIdon\'tunderstand。IknowthatthecompanyarecriticisingsomeofRanald\'smethods，butdon\'tknowwhyexactly。\"
\"Now，Colonel，\"criedKate，\"standtoyourguns。\"
\"Well，\"saidthecolonel，\"Iamgoingtoexecuteamasterlyretreat，astheyusedtosaywhenafellowranaway。Iamgoingtogetbehindmycompany。Theyclaim，yousee，thatRanaldain\'tapayingconcern。\"
\"Buthow？\"saidMrs。Murray。
ThenthecolonelenumeratedthefeaturesofRanald\'smanagementmostseverelycriticisedbythecompany。Hepaidthebiggestwagesgoing；thecostofsuppliesforthecampswasgreater，andthecompany\'sstoresdidnotshowaslargeprofitsasformerly；\"andofcourse，\"saidthecolonel，\"thefirstaimofanycompanyistopaydividends，andthemanagerthatcan\'tdothathastogo。\"
ThenMrs。Murrayproceededtodealwiththecompany\'scontentions，goingatoncewithswiftintuitiontotheheartofthematter。
\"Youwerespeakingofhonoramomentago，Colonel。Thereissuchathinginbusiness？\"
\"Certainly，that\'swhyIputthatyoungmanwhereheis。\"
\"Thatmeansthatthecompanyexpecthimtodealfairlybythem。\"
\"That\'saboutit。\"
\"Andbeingamanofhonor，Isupposehewillalsodealfairlybythemenandbyhimself。\"
\"Iguessso，\"saidthecolonel。
\"Idon\'tpretendtounderstandthequestionsfully，butfromRanald\'slettersIhavegatheredthathedidnotconsiderthatjusticewasbeingdoneeithertothemenortothecompany。Forinstance，inthematterofstores——Imaybewronginthis，youwillcorrectme，Colonel——Iunderstanditwasthecustomtochargethemeninthecampsforthearticlestheyneededpricesthreeorfourtimeswhatwasfair。\"
\"Well，\"saidthecolonel，\"IguessthingsWEREalittlehigh，butthat\'sthewayeverycompanydoes。\"
\"AndthenIunderstandthatthemenweresopoorlyhousedandfedandsopoorlypaidthatonlythoseoftheinferiorclasscouldbesecured。\"
\"Well，Iguesstheyweren\'tveryhigh-class，\"saidthecolonel，\"that\'srightenough。\"
\"But，Colonel，ifyousecureabetterclassofmen，andyoutreattheminafairandhonorablewaywithsomeregardtotheircomfortyououghttogetbetterresultsinwork，shouldn\'tyou？\"
\"Well，that\'sso，\"saidthecolonel；\"thereneverwassuchanamountoftimbergotoutwiththesamenumberofmensincethecompanystartedwork，butyetthethingdon\'tpay，andthat\'sthetrouble。Theconcernmustpayorgounder。\"
\"Yes，that\'squitetrue，Colonel，\"saidMrs。Murray；\"butwhydoesn\'tyourconcernpay？\"
\"Well，yousee，there\'snomarket；tradeisdullandwecan\'tselltoadvantage。\"
\"Butsurelythatisnotyourmanager\'sfault，\"saidMrs。Murray，\"andsurelyitwouldbeanunjustthingtoholdhimresponsibleforthat。\"
\"Butthecompanydon\'tlookatthingsinthatlight，\"saidthecolonel。\"Youseetheyfigureitthisway，storesain\'tbringinginthereturnstheyusedto，thecampscostalittlemore，wagesarealittlehigher，thereain\'tnothingcomingin，andtheysay，Well，thatchapouttheremeanswellwithhisreading-roomsforthemillhands，hislibraryinthecamp，andthatsortofthing，butheain\'tsharpenough！\"
\"Sharpenough！that\'sahardword，Colonel，\"saidMrs。Murray，earnestly，\"anditmaybeacruelword，butifRanaldwereeversosharphereallycouldn\'tremovetherealcauseofthetrouble。Yousayhehasproducedlargerresultsthaneverbefore，andifthemarketwerenormaltherewouldbelargerreturns。Then，itseemstome，Colonel，thatifRanaldsuffersheissuffering，notbecausehehasbeenunfaithfulorincompetent，butbecausethemarketisbad，andthatIamcertainyouwouldnotconsiderfair。\"
\"Youmustnotbetoohardonus，\"saidthecolonel。\"SofarasI
amconcerned，Ithinkyouareright，butitisahardthingtomakebusinessmenlookatthesethingsinanythingbutabusinessway。\"
\"Butitshouldnotbehard，Colonel，\"saidMrs。Murray，withsadearnestness，\"tomakeevenbusinessmenseethatwhenhonoristhepriceofdividendsthecostistoogreat，\"andwithoutgivingthecolonelanopportunityofreplying，shewentonwitheagerenthusiasmtoshowhowthelawsofthekingdomofheavenmightbeappliedtothegreatproblemsoflabor。\"Anditwouldpay，Colonel，\"shecried，\"itwouldpayinmoney，butfarmoreitwouldpayinwhatcannotbeboughtformoney——inthelivesandsoulsofmen，forunjustanduncharitabledealinginjuresmorethemanwhoisguiltyofitthanthemanwhosuffersfromitinthefirstinstance。\"
\"Madam，\"answeredthecolonel，gravely，\"Ifeelyouareright，andIshouldbegladtohaveyouaddressthemeetingofourshare-
holders，calledfornextmonth，todiscussthequestionofourwesternbusiness。\"
\"DoyoumeanRanald\'sposition？\"askedKate。
\"Well，Iratherthinkthatwillcomeup。\"
\"Then，\"saidMrs。Murray，unconsciouslyclaimingthecolonel\'sallegiance，\"Ifeelsuretherewillbeoneadvocateatleastforfairandhonorabledealingatthatmeeting。\"Andthecolonelwasfartoogallanttorefusetoacknowledgetheclaim，butsimplysaid：\"Youmaytrustme，madam；Ishalldomybest。\"
\"Ionlywishpapawerehere，\"saidKate。\"Heisashare-holder，isn\'the？Andwishhecouldhearyou，auntie，butheandmammawon\'tbehomefortwoweeks。\"
\"Oh，Kate，\"criedMrs。Murray，\"youmakemeashamed，andIfearI
havebeentalkingtoomuch。\"
AtthispointHarrycamein。\"Ijustcameovertosendyoutobed，\"hesaid，kissinghisaunt，andgreetingtheothers。\"Youarealltolookyourmostbeautifulto-morrow。\"
\"Well，\"saidthecolonel，slowly，\"thatwon\'tbehardfortherestofyou，anditdon\'tmattermuchforme，andIhopeweain\'tgoingtoloseourmusic。\"
\"No，indeed！\"criedKate，sittingdownatthepiano，whilethecolonelleanedbackinhiseasychairandgavehimselfuptoanhour\'sunmingleddelight。
\"Youhavegivenmorepleasurethanyouknowtoawayfaringman，\"hesaid，ashebadehergoodnight。
\"Comeagain，whenyouareintown，youarealwayswelcome，ColonelThorp，\"shesaid。
\"Youmaycountmehereeverytime，\"saidthecolonel。ThenturningtoMrs。Murray，withalowbow，hesaid，\"youhavegivenmesomeideasmadam，thatIhopemaynotbequiteunfruitful，andasforthatyoungmanofyours，well——I——guess——youain\'t——hurthiscauseany。We\'llputupafight，anyway。\"