er afore. Never mind me for the minute. And, if you'll
remember, _I_ ain't said that I doubted your young man. You told me
that you thought the world and all of him and that he did of you. That's
enough--or ought to be. But your brother says you wrote him two days ago
and he ain't been near you."

"I misdirected the letter. He didn't receive it."

"Um-hm. I see. That would explain."

"Of course it would. That _must_ be the reason."

"Yes, seem's if it must."

"It is. What right have you to doubt it? Oh, how can you think such
things? Can you suppose the man I am to marry is so despicable--so
_mean_ as to--as to--I'm ashamed to say it. Why do you presume that
money has any part in our engagement? Such trouble as mine only makes it
more binding. Do you suppose if _he_ were poor as--as I am, that I would
desert _him_? You know I wouldn't. I should be glad--yes, almost happy,
because then I could show him--could--"

Her voice failed her. She put her handkerchief to her eyes for an
instant and then snatched it away and faced them, her head erect. The
pride in her face was reflected in Captain Elisha's as he regarded her.

"No, no," he said gently, "I never supposed you'd act but in one way,
Caroline. I knew _you_. And, as Steve'll tell you, I said to him almost
the same words you've been sayin'. If Malcolm's what he'd ought to be,
I said, he'll be glad of the chance to prove how much he cares for your
sister. But Steve appeared to have some misgivin's, and so--"

He paused, turned toward the door, and seemed to be listening. Caroline
flashed an indignant glance at her brother.

"And so?" she asked, scornfully.

"And so," continued the captain, with a slight change in his tone, "it
seemed to me that his doubts ought to be settled. And," rising, as there
came a tap at the door, "I cal'late they're goin' to be."

He walked briskly over and opened the door. Sylvester was standing
without.

"Come, have they?" inquired Captain Elisha.

"Yes."

"Fetch 'em right in here. Steve, stand over nigher that corner. This
way, Caroline, if you please."

He took his niece by the arm and led her to the side of the room not
visible from the doorway. She was too astonished to resist, but asked an
agitated question.

"What is it?" she cried. "Who is coming?"

"Some friends of yours," was the quiet reply. "Nothin' to be frightened
about. Steve, stay where you are."

The boy was greatly excited. "Is it they?" he demanded. "Is