land, and at the end
of the summer most of the money that had been received from the estate had
been invested.

As they drove from farm to farm, discussing prices; sheds, feed, and the
wintering of stock, the girl's heart swelled with gratitude that her lines
had fallen in such well-provided places. The pinch of poverty was to be
lifted from her life.

More than the plenty, Elizabeth prized the peace which seemed to be
drifting in her direction.

Every day since John Hunter's return had been a happy day. John consulted
her judgment and her wishes, and it was done with that air of comradeship
which was the most sought-for thing in Elizabeth Farnshaw's life. All her
lonely days she had longed for it, and in all her girlish dreams it had
been the prime factor. She had obtained glimpses of it in Susan Hornby's
home, and now, she told herself joyfully, it was to be a permanent feature
of her future life.

With Mrs. Farnshaw's advent a series of unpleasant things began to
manifest. John was glad that the marriage was to take place in Elizabeth's
own home. Because of their engagement, he had heard little of the gossip
about her, but it had been enough to make him suspect more and wish her
well out of it. If now she would go home it would make the whole thing
look right and stop the reports.

John Hunter was distinctly a man of moods and reflected the conditions in
which he happened for the moment to find himself. When he came to see
Elizabeth the night after her mother had been to see her, he was pleased
that she was to go home the next day, but he instantly partook of the
discontent she showed. He took her to his mother's house for a short stay,
but both were heavy of spirits and John was actually depressed. Elizabeth
was almost abnormally sensitive to the attitude assumed toward her, and
had she been shrewd she would never have carried any doubts of her own
efficiency or judgment to her lover, but she was as open as a little
child. John left her at the little gate and drove away so promptly that
the girl's lip quivered as she turned in the dark to go to the house.

Elizabeth found Luther seated on the low doorstep. The shadow of the house
prevented her from seeing him till she was almost upon him.

"Of all things! I never thought of you being here," she exclaimed,
thinking of the kiss she had just received not three rods distant.

Luther laughed sheepishly.

"I hadn't intended t' see your good-nights," he said hone