she might
not see the glisten in her eyes, for the longing for that one
Fool-Hero who had brought such sudden desolation in her heart. Placing
her hands on the back of it, she leaned over her affectionately and
said, "It doesn't carry men only, that ship of yours: some of the
fools are women. O, I know, I know; you are one of the chief among
them and I envy you." In a whisper, "God knows, I envy you."

Ailsa reached a hand back and laid it over the girl's. "It is very
sweet of you to say so, but I mayn't accept it. Seeing I have a
husband like Billy, I should be a very real fool in the most literal
sense if I stayed away. No, the women-heroes in this land are those
who face it with a careless, selfish husband, or perhaps in a home
having no love, and who win through their little day and make no
plaint. God help them!"

"And you mustn't envy me," she added after a moment, "for presently,
you will be doing far more than I can ever hope to do. Because it is
in your heart it will find a way, and then your money will give you a
great power and influence. Be hopeful, you sweet child," with a little
playful pat. "Your eyes are over-sad for twenty-four, and sometimes
when you smile it goes no further than your lips."

Meryl brushed her hand quickly across her eyes, and tried to laugh
with an attempt at lightness.

"O yes, I will. When I get back home I'll sign cheques, and more
cheques, it is so easy for me. And I'll persuade father to plan out a
scheme to bring settlers on the land; land scholarships for
public-school boys, or something of that sort; and I'll try and
comfort myself with the thought that in this way he is giving back for
what he has received. I think I'll take a stroll now it is cooler. The
others will no doubt come back to-morrow, and this may be my last
evening in this part of the world. I know you want to worry your
cook-boy and your head about the dinner, so I'll just go a little way
alone."

"Very well," Ailsa answered cheerily, guessing that she wished to take
the stroll in solitude; but as she moved away towards her kitchen she
said to herself, "Poor little girl! you will comfort yourself you are
helping your father to fulfil his trusts, and at the back of it all
quietly, silently, you will be breaking your heart for a man of iron
who unbends to none."

And along the rocky pathway, that was a short cut to Edwardstown and
led along a low ledge of kopjes commanding a lovely view of the valley
whic