lung to
her. Dr Balsam, watching her with quickened eyes, grew graver, and
prescribed a tonic. Once he had spoken to her of Keith, and she had told
him that he was to marry Mrs. Lancaster. But the old man had made a
discovery. And he never spoke to her of him again.

Lois, to her surprise and indignation, received one morning a letter
from Wickersham asking her to make an appointment with him on a matter
of mutual interest. He wished, he said, to make friends with old Mr.
Rawson and she could help him. He mentioned Keith and casually spoke of
his engagement. She took no notice of this letter; but one afternoon
she was lonelier than usual, and she went up the hill to her father's
grave. Adam Rawson's horse was tied to the fence, and across the lots
she saw him among the rose-bushes at Phrony's grave. She sat down and
gave herself up to reflection. Gradually the whole of her life in New
York passed before her: its unhappiness; its promise of joy for a
moment; and then the shutting of it out, as if the windows of her soul
had been closed.

She heard the gate click, and presently heard a step behind her. As it
approached she turned and faced Ferdy Wickersham. She seemed to be
almost in a dream. He had aged somewhat, and his dark face had hardened.
Otherwise he had not changed. He was still very handsome. She felt as if
a chill blast had struck her. She caught his eye on her, and knew that
he had recognized her. As he came up the path toward her, she rose and
moved away; but he cut across to intercept her, and she heard him
speak her name.

She took no notice, but walked on.

"Miss Huntington." He stepped in front of her.

Her head went up, and she looked him in the eyes with a scorn in hers
that stung him. "Move, if you please."

His face flushed, then paled again.

"I heard you were here, and I have come to see you, to talk with you,"
he began. "I wish to be friends with you."

She waved him aside.

"Let me pass, if you please."

"Not until you have heard what I have to say. You have done me a great
injustice; but I put that by. I have been robbed by persons you know,
persons who are no friends of yours, whom I understand you have
influence with, and you can help to right matters. It will be worth your
while to do it."

She attempted to pass around him; but he stepped before her.

"You might as well listen; for I have come here to talk to you, and I
mean to do it. I can show you how important it is for you