lleviate by her sole presence, not
through any gift properly made, but by that which radiated from her
alone, the great weight which threatened to overwhelm his whole being.
Simply to converse with her might constitute the prophecy of a benign
existence.

He determined to see her that very evening.

III

"Marjorie," said Stephen, "of course you've a perfect right to do
exactly as you like. But, you know, you did ask my opinion; didn't you?"

"I did," said Marjorie, frowning. "But I disagree with you. And I think
you do him a grave injustice."

She had been seated in a large comfortable chair in the middle of the
side yard when he entered. A ball of black yarn which, with the aid of
two great needles, she was industriously engaged in converting into an
article of wearing apparel, lay by her side. Indeed, so engrossed was
she, that he had opened and closed the gate before her attention was
aroused. She rose immediately, laying her knitting upon the chair, and
advanced to meet him.

"I haven't seen you in ages. Where have you been?"

He looked at her.

"Rather let me ask that question," was his query by way of reply.
"Already twice have I failed to find you."

They walked together to the chairs; she to her own, he to a smaller one
that stood over against them.

"That you called once, I know. Mother informed me."

"You were similarly engaged on both occasions."

He brought his chair near to her.

"With Mr. Anderson?"

She smiled straight in his face.

"Of course."

He, too, smiled.

"Well!" then after a pause, "do you object?"

He did not answer. His fingers drummed nervously on the arm of his
chair and he looked far up the road.

"You do not like him?" she asked quickly.

"It would be impossible for me to now tell you. As a matter of fact, I
myself have been unable to form a definite opinion. I may let you know
later. Not now."

A deep sigh escaped her.

"I should imagine you could read a man at first sight," she exclaimed.

"I never allowed myself that presumption. Men are best discovered at
intervals. They are most natural when off their guard. Habit may
restrain vice, and passion obscures virtue. I prefer to let them alone."

She bit her lip, as her manner was, and continued to observe him. How
serious he was! The buoyant, tender, blithesome disposition which
characterized his former self, had yielded to a temper of saturnine
complexion, a mien of grave and thoughtful composure. He w