and served his father. I love and serve his
brother, and t' young man himself is very easy to love."

John was silent, and Jonathan continued, "I knew I was interfering,
but--"

"You were doing your duty. I would thank you for it, but a man that
serves Duty gets his wages in the service--and is satisfied."

Jonathan only nodded his head in assent, but there was the pleasant
light of accepted favor on his face and he really felt much relieved
when John added, "I will have a talk with my brother when he comes home
about the Naylors and Miss Lugur. You can dismiss the subject from your
mind. I'm sure you have plenty to worry you with the mill and its
workers."

"I hev, sir, that I hev, and all the more because Lucius Yorke hes been
here while you were away and he left a promise with the lads and
lassies to come again and give you a bit of his mind when you bed
finished your laking and larking and could at least frame yourself to
watch the men and women working for you. Yorke is a sly one--you ought
to watch him."

John smiled, dropped his eyes, and began to turn his paper-knife about.
"Well, Jonathan," he answered, "when Yorke comes, tell him John Hatton
will be pleased to know his mind. I do not think, Jonathan, that he
knows it himself, for I have noticed that he has turned his back on his
own words several times since he gave me his mind a year ago."

"Well, sir, a man's mind can grow, just as his body grows."

"I know that--but it can grow in a wrong direction as easily as in a
right one. Now I must attend to my secretary; he sent me word that there
was a large mail waiting."

"I'll warrant it. Mr. Henry hesn't been near the mill since Friday
morning," and with these words the overseer lifted his books and records
and left the room.

John sat very still with bent head; he shut his eyes and turned them on
his heart, but it was not long before his thoughtful face was brightened
by a smile as he whispered to himself, "I must hear what Harry has to
say before I judge him. Jonathan has strong prejudices, and Harry must
have what he considers 'reasonable cause' for what he wishes."

He waited anxiously all morning, going frequently to his brother's
office, but it was mid-afternoon when he heard Harry's quick light step
on the corridor. His heart beat to the sound, he quickly opened his
door, and as he did so, Harry cried,

"John! I am so glad you are here!"

Then John drew the bright handsome lad to his side,