en; but you
work at the law at the same time?"

Harwood's face clouded for a moment; she noticed it and was sorry she
had spoken; but he said immediately:--

"Well, I haven't had much time for the law this winter. I have more
things to do outside than I had expected. But I fear I need prodding;
I'm too prone to wander into other fields. And I'm getting a good deal
interested in politics. You know Mr. Bassett is one of the leading men
in our state."

"Yes, I had learned that; I suppose he may be Senator or Governor some
day. That makes it all the more important that Marian should be fitted
for high station."

"I don't know that just that idea has struck her!" he laughed, quite
cheerful again. "It's too bad it can't be suggested to her. It might
help her with her Latin. She tells me in our confidences that she thinks
Latin a beast. It's my role to pacify her. But a girl must live up to
her mother's ambitions, and Mrs. Bassett is ambitious for her children.
And then there's always the unencumbered aunt to please into the
bargain. Mrs. Owen is shrewd, wise, kind. Since that night I saw you
there we've become pals. She's the most stimulating person I ever knew.
She has talked to me about you several times"--Dan laughed and looked
Sylvia in the eyes as though wondering how far to go--"and if you're not
the greatest living girl you have shamefully fooled Mrs. Owen. Mr. Ware,
the minister, came in one evening when I was there and I never heard
such praise as they gave you. But I approved of it."

"Oh, how nice of you!" said Sylvia, in a tone so unlike her that Dan
laughed outright.

"You are the embodiment of loyalty; but believe me, I am a loyal person
myself. Please don't think me a gossip. Marian's mother still hopes to
land her in college next year, but she's the least studious of beings; I
can't see her doing it. Mrs. Bassett's never quite well, and that's been
bad for Marian. College would be a good thing for her. I've seen many
soaring young autocrats reduced to a proper humility at New Haven, and I
dare say you girls have your own way of humbling a proud spirit."

"I don't believe Marian needs humbling; one can't help liking her; and
she's ever so good to look at."

"She's certainly handsome," Dan admitted.

"She's altogether charming," said Sylvia warmly; "and she's young--much
younger than I am, for example."

"How old is young, or how young is old? I had an idea that you and she
were about the same age."