m better, Roscoe; I realize it every day;
and with Dorinda I shall get on perfectly well. I have been thinking of
something like this for a long time. You owe it to yourself, Roscoe. The
chance is one that many men would be very, very glad to have come their
way. I shall not urge you, Boy. You must decide for yourself, and I know
you will; but, Roscoe, I shall be quite contented--yes, glad and proud,
if you say yes to Mr. Colton."

The gentleman named nodded emphatic approval. "That's the talk!" he
exclaimed. "Mrs. Paine, I congratulate you on your common-sense."

"I think, like you, that you will have made a good investment, Mr.
Colton," was Mother's answer.

I rose to my feet. This must be ended now, for all time.

"I thank you, Mr. Colton," I said, though not as steadily as I could
have wished. "I am greatly obliged to you and I realize that you offer
me an exceptional opportunity, or what would be one for another man. But
I cannot accept."

"Look here, Paine! I'll speak plainer still. I understand that that
Shore Lane trade of ours has become common property, or, at any rate, it
will be common property soon. If I see the situation clearly, Denboro is
likely to be a rather unpleasant place for you. That fellow Dean has a
lot of influence here--heaven knows why!--and he hates me worse than Old
Nick hates holy water. Oh, I know you're not afraid of him! But what
is the use of taking the rough road when the smooth one is right before
your feet? Say yes, and let's end it."

"No," said I, stubbornly. "No, Mr. Colton."

"You mean it? Very well, I leave you in your Mother's hands. She will
probably bring you to your senses before long. Mrs. Paine, you can
handle him, I have no doubt. I am glad to have met you, and, with your
permission, I shall call on you again. So will Mabel. As for you, young
man, I thank you for last night's work. You will, perhaps, accept thanks
if you refuse everything else. Good morning."

He rose, bowed, and walked to the door. As he opened it he staggered,
perceptibly. I thought, for an instant, that he was going to fall, and I
sprang to his assistance.

"It's all right," he said, gruffly. "This digestion of mine sets my head
spinning sometimes. That doctor says I shall upset completely unless I
rest. I told him he was a fool and I intend to prove it. Let me be. I
can walk, I should hope. When I can't I'll call the ambulance--or the
hearse. I'll find the way out, myself. Good-by."

The