esting talker, and Patty always felt that
she was benefited by his conversation.

He told her much about the country as they drove along, described the
life and work of the villagers, and pointed out buildings or other
objects of interest.

They passed several fine estates, whose towering mansions could be seen
half hidden by trees, or boldly placed on a summit.

"But no place is as beautiful as Cromarty," said Sinclair, and Patty
entirely agreed with them.

"Is it true that you may have to leave it?" she asked, thinking it wiser
to refer to it casually.

Sinclair frowned.

"Who's been talking to you?" he said; "Mabel, I suppose. Well, yes, there
is a chance that we'll have to let it for a term of years. I hope not,
but I can't tell yet. But even if so, it will be only temporary. As soon
as I get fairly established in my career, I hope to make money enough to
take care of it all. A few years hence, when I'm on my feet, and Bob's
through college, it will be easier all round. But if some business
troubles that are now impending don't blow over, there'll be no income to
keep things going, and we'll have to--to----But that _shan't_ happen!"

Sinclair spoke almost desperately, and Patty saw his fingers clench
around the reins he was holding.

"I wonder," said Patty slowly, for she was not quite sure how what she
was about to say would be received. "I wonder, Sinclair, if we're not
good friends enough, you and I, for me to speak plainly to you."

The young man gave her a quick, earnest glance.

"Go on," he said, briefly.

"It's only this," said Patty, still hesitating, "my father has lots of
money--couldn't you--couldn't he lend you some?"

Sinclair looked at her squarely now, and spoke in low, stern tones.

"Never suggest such a thing again. The Cromartys do not borrow."

"Not even from a friend?" said Patty, softly.

"Not even from a friend," repeated Sinclair, but his voice was more
gentle. "You don't understand, I suppose," he went on, "but we would
leave Cromarty for ever before we would stay on such terms."

"No," said Patty, "I don't understand. I should think you'd be as glad to
accept a friend's help as he would be to offer it."

"If you'd do me a real kindness, Patty, you'll never even mention such an
idea again. I know you mean well and I thank you, but it's absolutely
impossible."

"Then there's only one other way out of the difficulty," said Patty, with
an effort at lightness; "and that's to