hat it was not the same
good-humored tolerance which she had so frequently shown in her past
relations with the bashful woodsman. His unquiet grudge against Linton
spiced the whole.

He turned to the girl.

She seemed altogether desirable. Something in her eyes responded to his
own feelings. And after that he seemed to be listening to himself
talking--and wondered at the new man he had become.

When it was over, and the ladies rose from the table to follow Mrs.
Presson, he tried, feeling guilty for a moment, to remember the look
that Linton had given him and to excuse himself as one who had simply
shown the proper spirit of revenge. But when he took her hand he said:
"My grandfather carried me away from you and your mother in very
ungallant fashion yesterday. And he tried to put ungallant words into my
mouth. I trust you'll allow me to disprove them. I'd like the privilege
of being your obedient squire on the trip home."

"So now that you've become a very big man you've decided that
grandfathers shall no longer be indulged in tyranny?" she asked, with a
dash of malicious fun.

"I view matters in a new light," he replied.

"And there's a wonderful psychology in light, so they who have studied
the matter tell us," she said, mischief in her eyes. "But we'll not go
so deeply into the matter. Let it be a light that will guide your
footsteps to our rooms at train-time. You will find us awaiting our
squire!"

General Waymouth excused himself as soon as the ladies had retired. The
little group of men had promptly begun to canvass the outlook and plans,
but he demurred politely when they desired to drag him into the
discussion.

"Not yet, gentlemen! We have had enough of talk in the last few hours.
Let me escape to the old brick house up in Burnside for a while. My
train goes shortly. Will you accompany me, Harlan?" It was the first
time he had used the young man's christian-name Harlan flushed with
pleasure. "I will see that you get back here in good season to bring
that guiding light," he murmured, to the other's confusion.

"I do not like to seem too exacting--too persistent in requiring your
attendance," protested the General, as they returned along the corridor.
The great hotel was nigh deserted. The delegates had hurried away on the
convention specials. "But you have protected me from a great many
annoyances, to put the situation mildly. I am calling you away now to
make a very special request of you. We will s