n the middle o' the United States Governmunt ag'in, will ye?"
said Lunette, determined to fall gently.

But it appeared then that no blank was to be filled out and sent to
Washington!

With a sharp yelp of joy Snipe sprang from behind the impregnable
covert of my legs, and rushed out into the free and gladsome elements.

I gathered up my portion of matter from the illuminated heap of
"government," beside the sand-peep pie on the table, and with a fond
smile at Lunette I also departed.

XXI

BROKEN WINDOWS

Always now on the evening of post day, after I had read my newspapers,
came the worn shawl and the dark, weary eyes--Vesty, to sit awhile with
Miss Pray.

"Is there any news of Notely, Major Henry?"

Now and then I made her put the question, but oftener I was kind and
volunteered any information on this subject that I had been able to
glean; and at the news of joy or success for him, how her eyes glowed!
Basin pure and great, with no thought for the shadow of her own
lot--Vesty of the Basins.

"Is there any news of Notely, Major Henry?"

She was pinning the shawl at her throat after a short call, before
going out; and she gave me her direct, reproachful look, as though I
had been teasing her.

But I was not teasing her; my heart yearned over her where she stood,
facing the dark.

"I will tell you what I have read," I said, "as I walk home with you.
You are 'helping' them at your own father's again now?"

She bowed her head. Her dark eyes filled me with a kind of frenzy to
make rest and comfort about her; and I had hard news for her!

"In my papers of the past week the beginning of what concerned Notely
Garrison was a medley. 'Reformer,' 'The old never-heeded cry of a St.
John in the wilderness,' and again, from the other side, 'Fanatic,'
'Visionary,' 'Throwing out his by no means boundless wealth like water
for the sake of chimeras, ideally noble enough, but still vain
chimeras!' And the news at the week's end, 'Young Garrison stricken: a
shock. Overwork, over-excitement, and the result of an accident
suffered not long since. Recovery very doubtful.'"

"I want to go to him," said Vesty. I heard her breath coming painfully
and quick.

"I knew that. I have already made arrangements for you to leave early
in the morning."

"Just to see him. I promised him. Notely! Notely! I can't bear
it--just as though it was little Gurd."

"You shall see him by to-morrow night. I have sent a m