s from business once in a while we won't
quarrel with it."

"Mrs. Lafirme," said Hosmer, seeming moved to pursue the subject, and
addressing the spray of white blossoms that adorned Therese's black
hat, "you admit, I suppose, that in urging your views upon me, you
have in mind the advancement of my happiness?"

"Well understood."

"Then why wish to substitute some other form of enjoyment for the one
which I find in following my inclinations?"

"Because there is an unsuspected selfishness in your inclinations that
works harm to yourself and to those around you. I want you to know,"
she continued warmly, "the good things of life that cheer and warm,
that are always at hand."

"Do you think the happiness of Melicent or--or others could be
materially lessened by my fondness for money getting?" he asked dryly,
with a faint elevation of eyebrow.

"Yes, in proportion as it deprives them of a charm which any man's
society loses, when pursuing one object in life, he grows insensible
to every other. But I'll not scold any more. I've made myself
troublesome enough for one day. You haven't asked about Melicent. It's
true," she laughed, "I haven't given you much chance. She's out on the
lake with Gregoire."

"Ah?"

"Yes, in the pirogue. A dangerous little craft, I'm afraid; but she
tells me she can swim. I suppose it's all right."

"Oh, Melicent will look after herself."

Hosmer had great faith in his sister Melicent's ability to look after
herself; and it must be granted that the young lady fully justified
his belief in her.

"She enjoys her visit more than I thought she would," he said.

"Melicent's a dear girl," replied Therese cordially, "and a wise one
too in guarding herself against a somber influence that I know," with
a meaning glance at Hosmer, who was preparing to close his desk.

She suddenly perceived the picture of a handsome boy, far back in one
of the pigeon-holes, and with the familiarity born of country
intercourse, she looked intently at it, remarking upon the boy's
beauty.

"A child whom I loved very much," said Hosmer. "He's dead," and he
closed the desk, turning the key in the lock with a sharp click which
seemed to add--"and buried."

Therese then approached the open door, leaned her back against its
casing, and turned her pretty profile towards Hosmer, who, it need not
be supposed, was averse to looking at it--only to being caught in the
act.

"I want to look in at the mill before work c