h more than its usual insistence--and calmly replied, "I admire all
beautiful color; it is my birthright as a Walton, to do so, I suppose."

Mrs. Sylvester was a Walton also and therefore smiled; but her husband,
who had marked with inward distrust, the sudden transformation in Paula,
now stepped forward with a word or two of remark concerning his
appetite, a prosaic allusion that led to the rapid disappearance of the
ladies upstairs and a short but hurried conversation between the two
gentlemen.

"I have brought you a sealed envelope from the office," said Bertram,
who, in accordance with his uncle's advice, had already initiated
himself into business by assuming the position of clerk in the office of
the wealthy speculator.

"Ah," returned his uncle hastily opening it. "As I expected, a meeting
has been held this day by the board of Directors of the Madison Bank, a
vote was cast, my proxy did his duty and I am duly elected President.
Bertram, we know what that means," smiled he, holding out his hand with
an affectionate warmth greatly in advance of the emotion displayed by
him on a former occasion.

"I hope so indeed," young Bertram responded. "An increase of fortune and
honor for you, though you seem to have both in the fullest measure
already, and a start in the new life for me to whom fortune and honor
mean happiness."

A smile younger and more full of hope than any he had seen on his
uncle's face for years, responded to this burst. "Bertram," said he,
"since our conversation of a couple of weeks ago something has occurred
which somewhat alters the opinions I then expressed. If you have
patience equal to your energy, and a self-control that will not put to
shame your unbounded trust in women, I think I can say God-speed to your
serious undertaking, with something like a good heart. Women are not all
frivolous and foolish-minded; there are some jewels of simple goodness
and faith yet left in the world."

"Thank God for your conversion," returned his nephew smiling, "and if
this lovely girl whom you have just introduced to me, is the cause of
it, then thank God for her also."

His uncle bowed with a gravity almost solemn, but the ladies returning
at this moment, he refrained from further reply. After supper, to which
unusual meal Mr. Sylvester insisted upon his nephew remaining, the two
gentlemen again drew apart.

"If you have decided upon buying the shares I have mentioned," said the
former, "you had bett