are times she addressed him by name, she
never used his big-sounding title of Principal. This little habit of
hers, differently read before, seemed now like a clue to guide him to
the meaning of her last remark, partly wrapped as it was in her
politeness. He was no dullard; once on the track of her thought, he soon
came up with her. In surprise he faced her insinuation squarely.

"You mean to tell me that you think I have not done well."

Half startled, she could think of no answer but the silence that gives
consent.

"Is it for myself or others I have done ill?" he asked.

"The world here speaks loudly of your exertions on its behalf; I have
never doubted the truth of its report."

"Then you consider that I myself am not what you would wish?" There was
neither anger nor graciousness in his tone. His mind, arrested, merely
sought to know further, and feeling had not yet arisen.

"You alarm me," she said coldly. "I had no thought of bringing these
questions upon myself."

But it was of moment to him to know her mind.

"I spoke inadvisedly," she added.

"Yet you spoke as you thought?" he asked.

Fast as they were walking, she could not but notice that they were in
the pine grove now, close by the river. Here the gale was loud,
reminding her afresh of the loneliness of the place, and, as she felt
the force of his question pressing upon her, all her energies rushed in
anger to her self-defence.

"Yes, I said what I thought; but I ask your pardon for any truthfulness.
Question me no further."

His stronger will was also roused. In bitterness of spirit he told her
that he had a right to know her full meaning. He plied her with
questions. When in steady tramp they came out on the open stretch of
road between the pines and the mountain, over the noise of the swollen
river he heard what she thought of him.

CHAPTER XXI.

That afternoon Alec Trenholme had essayed to bring his friend John Bates
to Chellaston. Bates was in a very feeble state, bowed with asthma, and
exhausted by a cough that seemed to be sapping his life. Afraid to keep
him longer in the lodging they had taken in Quebec, and in the stifling
summer heat that was upon, the narrow streets of that city, but
uncertain as to what length of journey he would be able to go, Alec
started without sending further notice.

As the hours of travel wore on, Bates's dogged pluck and perseverance
had to give way to his bodily weakness, but they had reached