of agreement; and Jack said, with modest
decision, "that such real estate could not possibly pay more than three
per cent to any owner in the course of the next few years. He would
rather offer her that, and a share contingent on the amount of business
done at the end of five years, than assume any greater risk just now."

"Thank you for your honesty and your good sense," she replied. "If you
had offered higher, I should have had some doubts of your financial
clear-headedness. It will be an equitable bargain. And will you be kind
enough to make some arrangements for me in Yerbury? I shall come on the
18th, with a companion and a maid; and Mr. Hildreth will follow the next
morning. Get your plans in shape by that time. I am glad to have met
you, Mr. Darcy, and I wish you success in your undertaking."

They shook hands cordially, and went their ways. Jack could hardly
believe his good fortune, and now he was afraid some other parties might
step in and take the mills.

"Much likelihood," laughed Maverick.

Jack took Cameron in hand first, as he had been the real suggester of
the plan. He, Darcy, could use his ten thousand; and, if ten more could
be subscribed, they would not need to hire outside. As time went on,
this capital might be equalized and increased. Hurd offered two thousand
and himself; and just then one of the old hands who had succeeded in
getting rid of a good bit of property that had weighted him heavily, and
picked up a little money here and there, subscribed five thousand.
Yardley had none of his own, but persuaded his wife's sister to invest a
thousand. The other, Miss Barry offered, if no workman came to hand.
Winston was a handy Jack-of-all-trades. He could repair machinery, or do
any kind of wood-work: he had sold cloth on commission, bartered and
traded, and had a good deal of shrewdness and good sense, and pluck. He
and Darcy would do the buying and selling; Cameron would take charge of
supplies, deal them out, and see that nothing went to waste; Hurd and
Yardley would be overlookers as before. Every man could weave his yard
of cloth with the best. They would constitute the managing force.

The days passed rapidly; and to Jack's great satisfaction no purchaser
appeared, no curious soul even sauntered about the mills. Miss McLeod
came at the appointed time, accompanied by Miss Lothrop, who was as
distant to Maverick as if this were their first meeting. The ladies were
to stay with Mrs. Darcy, and