as for me," she said. "Still, is
this a time for trifles such as that?"

Worn out by a very grim struggle, Winston did as he was bidden, and
looked up with a twinkle in his eyes, when with the faintest trace of
color in her cheeks the girl sat down close to him and drew part of the
fur robe about him.

"I really believe you were a little pleased to see me come back just
now," he said.

"Was that quite necessary?" asked Maud Barrington. "Still, I was."

Winston made a little deprecatory gesture. "Of course," he said.
"Now, we can resume our former footing to-morrow, but in the meanwhile
I would like to know why you are so hard upon me, Miss Barrington,
because I really have not done much harm to any one at Silverdale.
Your aunt,"--and he made a little respectful inclination of his head
which pleased the girl--"is at least giving me a fair trial."

"It is difficult to tell you--but it was your own doing," said Maud
Barrington. "At the beginning you prejudiced us when you told us you
could only play cards indifferently. It was so unnecessary, and we
knew a good deal about you!"

"Well," said Winston quietly, "I have only my word to offer, and I
wonder if you will believe me now, but I don't think I ever won five
dollars at cards in my life."

Maud Barrington watched him closely, but his tone carried conviction,
and again she was glad that he attempted no explanation. "I am quite
willing to take it," she said. "Still, you can understand--"

"Yes," said Winston. "It puts a strain upon your faith, but some day I
may be able to make a good deal that puzzles you quite clear."

Maud Barrington glanced at the flask. "I wonder if that is connected
with the explanation, but I will wait. Now, you have not lighted your
cigar."

Winston understood that the topic was dismissed, and sat thoughtfully
still while the girl nestled against the birch logs close beside him
under the same furs, for the wind went through the building and the
cold was unbearable a few feet from the stove. The birch rafters shook
above their heads, and every now and then it seemed that a roaring gust
would lift the roof from them. Still the stove glowed and snapped, and
close in about it there was a drowsy heat, while presently the girl's
eyes grew heavy. Finally, for there are few who can resist the desire
for sleep in the cold of the Northwest, her head sank back, and
Winston, rising very slowly, held his breath as he piled the furs abo