rn't the sort of girl to chance it."

"I wish I'd told her before."

"I wish you had," was Jane's brief retort. "You may have trouble now
makin' her see you ain't marryin' her 'cause you're sorry for her."

"Sorry for her!"

Jane could not but laugh at the fervor of the exclamation.

"My land! Martin," she said, "I never expected to live to see you so head
over ears in love."

"I am."

"I ain't questionin' it," was Jane's dry comment.

When, however, he set foot on the porch, his lover's confidence suddenly
deserted him, and he was overwhelmed with shyness.

"You tell Mary an' 'Liza," he pleaded. "Somehow, I can't. Tell 'em about
the will an' all. You'll do that much for me, won't you?"

"You know I will."

The words spoke volumes.

"That's right. An' be ready to start for Ashbury on the mornin' train.
We'd better leave here by six, sharp."

"I'll be on hand. Don't worry."

"Good night, Jane."

"Good night."

Still Jane lingered. Then drawing very close to her brother's side, she
added bashfully:

"I can't but think, Martin, that instead of puttin' up walls, Ellen
Webster's will has broken some of 'em down."

For answer Martin did something he had never done before within the span
of his memory; he bent impulsively and kissed his sister's cheek.

Then as if embarrassed by the spontaneity of the deed, he sped upstairs.

* * * * *

In the morning he and Jane started for Ashbury. The day was just waking as
they drove along the glittering highway. Heavy dew silvered field and
meadow, and the sun, flashing bars of light across the valley, transformed
every growing thing into jeweled splendor.

Martin was in high spirits and so was Jane. While the man counted the
hours before he would be once more at the side of his beloved, the woman
was thinking that whatever changes the future held in store, she would
always have it to remember that in this supreme moment of his life it had
been to her that Martin had turned. She had been his confidant and helper.
It was worth all that had gone before and all that might come after. There
was no need for conversation between them. The reveries of each were
satisfying and pregnant with happiness.

Even after they had boarded the train, Jane was quite content to lapse
into meditation and enjoy the novelty of the journey. Traveling was not
such a commonplace event that it had ceased to be entertaining. She
studied her fel