下载辰思小说免费APP
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。"
