, Mr. Macdonald, your confidence is only paralleled by your
prodigious insolence."

"I hope not," said Ranald, lowering his head from its proud pose. "I
have no desire to be insolent."

Once more Mr. St. Clair looked at him in silence. Then slowly and with
quiet emphasis, he said: "Mr. Macdonald, you are a determined man, but
as God lives, this purpose of yours you will never carry out. I know
my daughter, I think, better than you know her, and I tell you," here
a slight smile of confidence played for a moment on his face, "she will
never be your wife."

Ranald bowed his head.

"It shall be as she wills," he said, in a grave, almost sad, voice. "She
shall decide," and he passed into his office.

All day long Ranald toiled at his desk, leaving himself no time for
thought. In the late afternoon Harry came in on his way home.

"Thanks, old chap," said Ranald, looking up from his work; "sha'n't be
able to come to-night, I am sorry to say."

"Not come?" cried Harry.

"No, it is impossible."

"What rot, and Maimie has waited ten days for you. Come along!"

"It is quite impossible, Harry," said Ranald, "and I want you to take
this note to Maimie. The note will explain to her."

"But, Ranald, this is--"

"And, Harry, I want to tell you that this is my last day here."

Harry gazed at him speechless.

"Mr. St. Clair and I have had a difference that can never be made right,
and to-night I leave the office for good."

"Leave the office for good? Going to leave us? What the deuce can the
office do without you? And what does it all mean? Come, Ranald, don't be
such a confounded sphynx! Why do you talk such rubbish?"

"It is true," said Ranald, "though I can hardly realize it myself; it is
absolutely and finally settled; and I say, old man, don't make it
harder for me. You don't know what it means to me to leave this place,
and--you, and--all!" In spite of his splendid nerve Ranald's voice shook
a little. Harry gazed at him in amazement.

"I will give your note to Maimie," he said, "but you will be back here
if I know myself. I'll see father about this."

"Now, Harry," said Ranald, rising and putting his hand on his shoulder,
"you are not going to mix up in this at all; and for my sake, old chap,
don't make any row at home. Promise me," said Ranald again holding him
fast.

"Well, I promise," said Harry, reluctantly, "but I'll be hanged if I
understand it at all; and I tell you this, that if you don't come back