smiled contentedly when Mrs. Hampton had gone, and looked
curiously around.

"The Hamptons must be doing well," he mused. "House newly painted,
farm in good condition, and garden the finest I have seen. They must
have a snug bank-account from all appearance. And why shouldn't they?
If there was a brood of kids to feed, such as I have, it would make a
great difference. Maybe they've made good with that coal mine.
Anyway, I guess I've struck this place about the right time. People
who have plenty should help them who haven't much. This is certainly
restful after that long walk. I wonder where John is."

His meditation was interrupted by Mrs. Hampton's return. She carried a
tray containing a glass of home-made wine, and a plate of frosted
doughnuts. Grimsby was all alert now, and smiling blandly.

"This is certainly good of you, madame," he remarked as he took the
glass, and one of the doughnuts. "It's not often I get treated this
way, especially when I call on business."

"What are you doing these days, Gabriel?" Mrs. Hampton asked as she
placed the plate of doughnuts upon a flower-shelf near at hand, and
seated herself upon the verandah steps.

Grimsby sipped the wine, and bit off a piece of his doughnut before
replying. Then he looked at his hostess in a quizzical manner.

"Don't you know my business, madame?"

"I am afraid not, Gabriel, as you have been at so many different things
during the last few years. I hope you have settled down to something
steady for the sake of your family, at least."

"You need not worry at all about me now," and Grimsby's eyes twinkled.
He was thinking of the surprise he had in store for this woman, so he
could take her words with good grace. "But money isn't everything,
madame. Just think of that poor girl who drowned herself last night at
Benton's wharf. She had all the good things of life, and yet she was
not happy."

"What girl?" Mrs. Hampton asked. "I haven't heard about her."

"No, I suppose not. I only learned the news this morning. Men are now
dragging the river for her body."

"It is certainly sad. Who is she? and why did she drown herself?"

"She is the only daughter of Randall, the big lumber merchant. Her
father and mother wanted her to marry some young Lord, Donaster I think
is his name. But she objected, so when they insisted, she took the
matter into her own hands and made an end to her young life. So you
see, madame, money isn't everything