d a
vague, contemptuous wonder in his eyes.

CHAPTER XX

They had tramped the hills together, Sandy and Lans. They had gone
carefully over the plans for the factory and Home-school, had seen the
growing building of the former and revelled in the dreams of the latter.

"It proves my liking for you, old chap," Lans had said, "when I can
look at all this and not envy you. You see, Uncle Levi wanted to train
me in the way I should go, but I got a twist in the wrong direction
and--well! I never squeal. That's about all the philosophy or
religion I have--I never squeal! Live your life; take your chances and
squeal not! Then you remember I used to tell you that I was a big
bungling giant? You've got the vision and the leading. But to think
of Uncle Levi putting the reins in your hands! I can imagine him
letting any one he likes hold the _end_ of the reins--but he's leaned
back and is letting you drive."

"Yes--but only because his big, wise head and loving heart tell him
this is a safe road to travel."

"Oh! I don't know. Who's going to be any the better for--all this?
There's a lot of Tommyrot about charity. If I were going to splurge
I'd do it in the middle of the stage and make an advertisement of it at
the same time. It's cheaper and more sensible. Why, if Uncle Levi
would spend in Boston what he's spending up here--he'd have the world
talking about his mills."

Sandy turned away. He was thinking of what Levi had said to him a few
weeks before as he was ending his visit in Bretherton.

"Son"--he was "son" to the old brother and sister after that trip
abroad--"son, go back to your hills and see in every ragged boy--Sandy
Morley! In every little lass--your sister Molly! Gather them in, son,
gather them in, and let us help them as we helped you to--come out
cleaner and better. Work up there, son, as if God Almighty's eye alone
was upon you. Men have forgotten the hill people, but God called you
to lead them out of bondage."

"It pays to advertise," Lans was remarking.

"Yes," Sandy returned; "and Mr. Markham advertises in a most original
and picturesque way."

Through all the walks and drives round about The Hollow, Sandy inwardly
prayed that Cynthia might not materialize. Why he so strongly desired
this he could not tell. He liked Lans; enjoyed his visit and
companionship, but he hoped he would leave before Cynthia appeared. He
grew restless at times and found himself longing to tell