you, one whom you love and who loves you. Put that sign out for
crullers, Mark, I know you can make money, and some day a good, helpful
girl will come your way."

"No, Janet,"--Mark's patient voice sank drearily,--"if you won't let me
watch over you, I'll watch without yer leave. I won't bother you none,
but I thank God I've got city ways t' meet city ways! I'm plum 'shamed
of the way our gals is actin' with the boarders. I'm a good watcher,
Janet!"

They had come to the dividing of the ways.

"Can't I go on, Janet?"

"No, Mark, you must go home and sleep!"

"Good bye, Janet, till t'-morrer!"

"Good bye, Mark!" She watched the slouching figure out of sight.

"With all my watchers," she faltered, "I feel like a ship riding near
the bar, with the crew's eyes upon it!" And then she went, less
courageously, on the upward way.

The path ran up hill and down dale, with always a steady rise. The water
of the bay lay blue and smiling roundabout the Hills: the scrub oak, the
blueberries, the luxuriant wild rose, and variegated grasses made color
so exquisite and rare, that the only wonder was that the Hills were not
crowded with adoring Nature-worshippers. The never-ceasing breeze came
caressingly over the flower-strewn stretches. Nothing stayed its course,
and there was health-giving tonic in its breath.

Beyond, where Brown Brother raised its superior height, the artist
colony had pitched its tents. Toward that settlement, with her daring
request, Janet walked. As she neared it, her brave heart grew weak and
weaker. How was she to word her proposition? What was she to offer in
return for instruction that was to help her to fame and fortune? She
feared every moment that she might meet a little wagon drawn by a
sunbonneted, long-aproned woman, or a man not less picturesque. She sat
down to consider; then, to make thought easier, she lay at full length,
closing her eyes and dreaming luxuriously. The summer day lured her
senses deliciously. Even the late experience with Mark was mellowed by
the present delight. The memory of the recent encounter with the master
of Bluff Head stirred her pulses to a quicker time. Ah, life was
glorious! Life was full, in spite of all. It was like the sea in a fog
or an unopened book. She had only to wait and smile and love, and life
would expand into a perfect day.

Something drew the girl to a sitting posture; a nameless fear was upon
her. She glanced around, and near her, upon a knol