rk,
and proceeded to devour the unpalatable morsel with hungry relish.

"That is but poor fare for your old father, Jocint," said Therese,
looking steadily at the youth.

"Well, I got no chance me, fu' go fine nuttin in de 'ood" (woods), he
answered purposely in English, to annoy his father who did not
understand the language.

"But you are earning enough to buy him something better; and you know
there is always plenty at the house that I am willing to spare him."

"I got no chance me fu' go to de 'ouse neider," he replied
deliberately, after washing down the scant repast with a long draught
from the tin bucket which he had replenished at the cistern before
entering. He swallowed the water regardless of the "wiggles" whose
presence was plainly visible.

"What does he say?" asked Morico scanning Therese's face appealingly.

"He only says that work at the mill keeps him a good deal occupied,"
she said with attempted carelessness.

As she finished speaking, Jocint put on his battered felt hat, and
strode out the back door; his gun on his shoulder and a yellow cur
following close at his heels.

Therese remained a while longer with the old man, hearing
sympathetically the long drawn story of his troubles, and cheering him
as no one else in the world was able to do, then she went away.

Jocint was not the only one who had seen Beauregard fastened at
Morico's door. Hosmer was making a tour of inspection that afternoon
through the woods, and when he came suddenly upon Therese some moments
after she had quitted the cabin, the meeting was not so wholly
accidental as that lady fancied it was.

If there could be a situation in which Hosmer felt more than in
another at ease in Therese's company, it was the one in which he found
himself. There was no need to seek occupation for his hands, those
members being sufficiently engaged with the management of his horse.
His eyes found legitimate direction in following the various details
which a rider is presumed to observe; and his manner freed from the
necessity of self direction took upon itself an ease which was
occasional enough to mark it as noteworthy.

She told him of her visit. At mention of Jocint's name he reddened:
then followed the acknowledgment that the youth in question had caused
him to lose his temper and forget his dignity during the afternoon.

"In what way?" asked Therese. "It would be better to dismiss him than
to rail at him. He takes reproof badly and i