nolia, and so Mason added a den to the structure. A huge
room overlooking the sea! It has space left on the wall for a big
picture, and Mason gave me an order. 'Go down to that heaven-preserved
spot,' he said, 'get the spirit of the place, and put it in my den. I
don't mind the price. Stay down all summer, but get it!'"

"Do you think you can?" asked Devant. Thornly's gaze contracted.

"I think I have," he replied, slowly flicking the ashes that had
accumulated upon his cigar.

"Good! That means more glory. In this sordid age, and with an
uncomprehending public, you've had rare fortune in getting rid of your
work, Dick. Your pictures are sellers, I hear. How proud your father
would have been! My old friend was one of the few men I have known who
set a price upon genius above money."

"Yes: I wish father and mother could have known. It's often a bit
lonely."

"But there is Katharine. At least, I suppose, there is still Katharine?"

"Yes," slowly, "there is still Katharine; and our relations are the
same. She's watching my stunts in art."

"She's proud of you?"

"She's proud of my success." Thornly smiled. "There's a difference, you
know."

"Oh! yes. But Katharine is young. I'd like to see the child again. Is
she as pretty as her childhood promised?"

"She is very handsome."

"Full of life and dimples?"

"Oh! she's giddy enough. Superb health, and undiminished scent for
pleasure! Katharine is an undoubted success."

"I must have her down. My sister is coming at the month's end. I'll
write to Katharine to-night and plead my friendship for her parents.
Where is she? And I'll tell her you're here."

"She's at South End, with the Prescotts."

For some moments the older and the younger man smoked in silence. The
sun set in due time and Captain David's Light appeared.

"What a living thing a lighthouse is!" said Thornly; "that and an open
fire have the same vital, human interest."

"I believe you are right. When I find myself bad company, I always have
a fire built if the temperature is below seventy. Since I came here I've
taken to this side of the veranda, late afternoons, and I grow quite
chummy with Cap'n Davy's Light."

Mr. Devant got up, stretched himself and took to pacing the piazza
slowly.

"You know David of the Light?" asked Thornly.

"As a boy I knew the characters roundabout here, somewhat. I'm trying to
reinstate myself in their good graces. This place produces strange and
unexpected typ