there to await their return. It was as though the very
abruptness of Carew's departure had crystallised all her wavering,
uncertain thoughts, and told her bluntly what he was to her. Before
she had been half dreaming; now she knew.

And it seemed to her that she knew also, beyond any questioning, that
he had no feeling whatever for her beyond the merest friendliness; and
since they would probably never meet again, she must, if possible,
conquer her own foolish heart, and resolutely withdraw the love she
had given unasked. It seemed to her, at any rate, the strongest thing
to do, and while she made the effort she would turn a smiling face to
the world and let no one suspect. If she failed--well, that would
still be her own affair and no one need know. So she rallied herself
often and talked gaily, encouraging an interest in all Mr. Grenville's
plans and hopes that she did not always feel. What she liked best was
to sit silently before the large sitting-room hut, with her hands on
her knees, gazing at the wonderful prospect, while Ailsa sewed beside
her and talked quietly. Ailsa who knew him so well, and loved him so
well, and appeared to be the only woman friend he possessed. Ailsa
also who loved this far country so well, the country he had adopted
for his own land, and seemed quite content, as he, to give the best
years of her life, in her small measure, to its welfare.

Meryl thought much of the lives of these three quiet workers in the
wilderness, and mused a little sadly upon what seemed but gilded
pleasure-seeking emptiness to which she would presently go back.

It was in one of these thoughtful moods she asked Ailsa with plain
directness how she thought a millionaire might best benefit Rhodesia,
supposing he were willing to make an effort in that direction. Having
asked, she added with a light touch, "I imagine you are hardly ready
yet for libraries and public parks and orphanages?"

"No," Ailsa answered; "but we want settlers badly. Think what it would
mean to the country if just one rich man or company, instead of
acquiring large tracts of land and holding it until the price mounts
to a high figure, were to make a genuine effort to get a white
population upon it as quickly as possible, even though it meant small
or no profits. It is too much to expect from any company naturally,
but there are individuals holding up their land, and therefore holding
back the country, who might show a more generous spirit. I co