re going on a long journey.

And so Sandy came upon her. He had arrived at The Forge earlier in the
day and had walked up The Way because his heart was full of the joy of
life and he wanted to be alone and think his thoughts. He had been so
lonely without his father, Lost Mountain, his people and--Cynthia! Not
even the love and gratitude he held for Levi Markham and Matilda could
hold him long from his own, without regret. And they were coming to
him soon--the Markhams--they were coming for the holidays and he must
make ready!

Noiselessly he entered his study and stood for a moment revelling in
the sight of the girl of his thoughts, materializing before his amazed
eyes. He could hardly believe his senses; the day, the place, were
bewitched, and he had been so hungry for--just this! Unconsciously he
stretched out his arms and his strong, dark face was flushed; his
serious eyes glad and kind.

"Little Cyn!"

She turned, and her colour faded. Pale, imploring, she almost ran to
him.

"Sandy!"

Now that she had understood and triumphed she could afford to be kind,
too, and strong and brave. Something in the frank, unflinching eyes
warned Sandy to content himself with the outstretched hands, although
the soul of him yearned to hold the girl to him.

"You are glad to see me back, lil' Cyn?"

The old intonation thrilled the listener, but her eyes held true.

"Oh! so glad. 'Tis a mighty empty room you leave, Sandy Morley, when
you go away."

"Cynthia--I wonder if I dare tell you something?"

"Yes." It were better now and over with!

"Do you remember that once I made a promise to you, dear?"

This was unfortunate, but the girl took it without a quiver of the
white lids.

"All my life, since manhood came to me, and it came early, little girl,
I have lived and dreamed of the hour when--I might keep that promise.
I have waited because you seem still a child to me, dear, but I--want
you! I want the child of you--I will hold it sacred and win the woman
of you by and by. Do you not remember how in those old, old days it
was you who taught me, awoke my imagination and--helped me to my own?
Dear lil' Cyn--help me now! Help me help these dear people, yours and
mine! I need you so, sweetheart, and I will be good to you! Marry me,
lil' Cyn, marry me right away and let us go on together! I can do so
much for you and yours--sweet----"

But Sandy got no farther. The hands in his wrenched themselves free
a