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。"