ound seats. Rosamond, tall, graceful and
queenly, came into the room. To John it seemed a shadow followed after
her; the wraith of the widow of Alboin, co-conspirator with Helmichis
and Longinus.

It was impossible to live down this unpleasant impression for a day or
two. While doing so, Rosamond took offense at his coolness and announced
her intention of returning home the following Monday. Dorothy expressed
disappointment at this and Saturday afternoon stated that she, too,
would leave on Monday. Bradford left on the same train. The three
traveled together as far as Stanford, where Rosamond left them; then
Bradford and Dorothy rode on to Louisville.

There Dorothy was met by her mother. Mr. Bradford was introduced and
drove with them to the Durrett home. He remained in Louisville several
days and called at the Durrett home every afternoon, remaining for
dinner and until a late hour.

The morning of his departure, glancing through the personals--a
suspicious act, as it was rather unusual for him--he read of his
departure after a brief visit, and at the head of the column that Mr.
and Mrs. Harrison Durrett announced the engagement of their daughter,
Dorothy, to Mr. Howard Bradford, of Pittsburgh.

CHAPTER IX.

THE SAYLOR FAMILY.

While Cornwall prospered financially and established an enviable
reputation as a lawyer, fortune did not overlook the Saylor family.

Old man Saylor and his wife were thrifty souls. Though their farm, with
its fine colonial dwelling, was one of the best in their end of the
county, they had never been given the opportunity to entertain
extensively or had occasion to maintain a stylish and expensive
establishment.

Mary's four years at Wellesley had cost about four thousand five hundred
dollars. This outlay old man Saylor would never have consented to,
looking upon it as an absolute waste of good money, except that he gave
Mary as much credit for his acquittal of the Spencer killing as he did
John. He had the money to spare, having each year cleared more than that
sum on his tobacco and speculations in the mule market.

He was a great judge of mules. Bradley Clay said when a mule colt was
foaled Saylor could look at it and tell within five pounds of its weight
as a four-year-old.

Caleb had been sent to Lexington to school. He remained during the fall
term and until after the spring races. Then he returned home, having
been expelled because every day he had attended the races