ubles about money should not
be banished yet. He was something of a romantic fool; but Bernard knew
Evelyn was not. By and by he led Jim into confidential talk about his
investments in Canada and his plans for developing his new estate, and
then let him go.

When Jim had gone, he sat by the fire, thinking hard, and after a time
sent a servant to the library for a bundle of architect's drawings.
The drawings gave the plans and elevation of a new hospital and Bernard
thought the plain, straight front, looked mean. Knowing something
about building, he saw how it could be altered and ornamented, and the
hospital enlarged, if funds permitted. He was one of the founders and
thought it might be advisable to augment his gift.

Next day he went to Whitelees and was received by Mrs. Halliday in her
drawing-room, which always annoyed him. He felt he wanted to clear out
Janet's room and furnish it on another plan. Bernard hated sensual
prettiness and liked bold, clean lines and subdued color. Besides, his
gout was rather bad, the fragile chair was uncomfortable, and he could
not rest his foot. When the pain gripped him he frowned, and Mrs.
Halliday remarked that he was not looking well.

"I am getting old and have recently felt my age," he replied. "One
must pay for a strenuous youth, and it's becoming plain that I ought to
straighten my affairs while the opportunity is mine."

Mrs. Halliday looked sympathetic and felt curious. She had wondered
when Bernard would give her his confidence. "Well," she said, "I
suppose this is one's duty, although I hope you have no particular
grounds for imagining it needful just now."

"One cannot tell," Bernard remarked. "Anyhow, I have responsibilities
that must not be shirked. Well, Evelyn and Lance will get a share of
my property; in fact, I have made some provision for them."

"I expect you have been generous," said Mrs. Halliday, who wondered how
far she durst go. "But what about Jim?"

"His claim will need some thought. For that matter, he has hinted that
he is satisfied with Langrigg. Independence like his is not common and
perhaps ought to be indulged."

Mrs. Halliday was disturbed, but Bernard did not seem to be curious
about her feelings and resumed: "In the meantime, I've been thinking
about the new Brunstock hospital and am going to see the committee.
Since you promised us a donation, I have brought the plans." He
unrolled the elevation and gave it her. "This