contract for hewn lumber supplies. Here's a rough memo;
the quantity is large, and that is our idea of a reasonable figure."

I glanced at the paper with open pleasure, but the other checked me as I
began to speak.

"Glad you will take it! It's a commercial transaction, and not a matter of
thanks," he said. "Settle details with the surveyor."

I spent some time with the latter, who smiled dryly as he said, "Not quite
cleaned out yet? Well, it's seldom wise to be too previous, and you can't
well come to grief over the new deal. Wanted again, confound them! Sail in
and prosper, Lorimer."

He left a payment order which somewhat surprised me, and when I stood
under the stars wondering whether all that had happened was not too good
to be true, Harry came up in search of me. I grabbed him by the shoulder
and shook the paper before him.

"Our friend has acted more than fairly," I said. "We can pay off all
debts, and I have just concluded a big new, profitable deal!"

"That will keep," said Harry, laughing; "another matter won't. They're
going to haul out the visitors' picnic straight away, and they show good
judgment. A sleeper on the main line will form a much more peaceful
resting-place than this elated hamlet to-night. Your uncle wants to see
you, and Miss Carrington is waiting beside the cars."

I found Alice and Martin Lorimer beside the track, the latter fuming
impatiently, while the locomotive bell summoned the passengers; and as I
joined them Grace walked into the group before she recognized us. Alice
was the first to speak, and I saw the two faces plainly under the lighted
car windows, as she said:

"I am glad to meet you again, Miss Carrington, and am sorry I missed you
this afternoon. I was too busy giving my cousin good advice--it's a
privilege I have enjoyed from childhood--to recognize you at first."

Grace's expression changed, and I thanked Alice in my heart for what I
believe few women would have done. Then there was a shriek of the whistle,
and a bustle about the train; and as Grace moved toward the car she said
softly in passing:

"It was a fitting consummation. Better times are coming, Ralph, and I am
proud of you."

"Am I never to speak to thee, lad?" said Martin. "There's nothing would
please me better than to wait and see the fun out; but Alice, she won't
hear of it. Come to see us, and stay a month if you can. Anyway, come
to-morrow or the day after. I have lots to tell thee. Oh, hang them!