cture had some beauty that was not altogether spoiled
by the telegraph wires, giant posts, and advertisement signs. These
emphasized the contrast between the raw and aggressive civilization
that is typical of Western towns and the austerity of the surrounding
wilds. In the foreground were steamers, saw-mills, and street-cars; in
the distance trackless woods and untrodden snow.

The house stood in a shabby street and on the ground floor Jake's
mother and sister sold drygoods and groceries. The business was not
remarkably profitable, but Mrs. Winter was a widow and Carrie had
sacrificed her ambitions for her sake. Now she sat opposite Jim, whom
she had nursed. Carrie did not know much about sickness when she
began, but she was capable and Jim liked to have her about. She knew
when to stimulate him by cheerful banter and when he needed soothing.
Carrie could be quiet, although she could talk. Jim imagined all girls
were not like that.

He studied her with languid satisfaction. Carrie was tall and
vigorous: he had seen her handle heavy boxes the transfer men dumped on
the sidewalk. She did such things when Jake was not about, and Jim
knew she baked the cakes and biscuit Mrs. Winter sold. For all that,
her strength was not obtrusive; her movements were graceful and when
not occupied she was calm. She had some beauty, for her face was
finely molded and her color was warm, and Jim liked her level glance.
He liked her voice; it was clear without being harsh, and she seldom
used smart colloquialisms. In fact, Carrie was not the girl one would
expect to meet at a second-class store.

"You are looking bright this afternoon," she remarked.

"I feel bright," said Jim. "For one thing, I've got up, and then you
have been here some time. You brace one. I felt that when I was very
sick."

Carrie laughed. "You're trying to be polite!"

"No," said Jim, whose brain did not work quickly yet; "I don't think I
tried at all. The remark was, so to speak, spontaneous. You helped me
get better; you know you did!"

"Oh, well," said Carrie, smiling, "you needed some control. You
wouldn't take the doctor's stuff and we couldn't keep you quiet. I
reckon you are pretty obstinate."

"One has got to be obstinate in the North."

"That's possible. It's a hard country and Jake took some chances when
he brought you out across the snow. Do you remember much about what
happened when you were on the trail?"

"I don't," said J