k into her cheeks that
had been white enough a moment before, "if it were not for your size,
and your--looks, I should treat you exactly the same, though not
with the same intent, as our friend Mr. Rae would say. You did that
splendidly!"

"Alas! for my size," groaned Cameron--he was in great spirits--"and
alas! for my ugly phiz!"

"Who said 'ugly'?" replied Miss Brodie. "But I won't rise to your bait.
May I introduce you to my uncle, Sir Archibald Brodie, who has a little
business with you?"

"Ah! Mr. Cameron," said that gentleman, "that was extremely well
done. Indeed, I can hardly get back my nerve--might have been an ugly
accident. By the way, Sir," taking Cameron aside, "just a moment. You
are on your way to Canada? I have a letter which I thought might be
of service to you. It is to a business friend of mine, a banker, in
Montreal, Mr. James Ritchie. You will find him a good man to know, and I
fancy glad to serve any--ah--friend of mine."

On hearing Sir Archibald's name, Cameron's manner became distinctly
haughty, and he was on the point of declining the letter, when Sir
Archibald, who was quick to observe his manner, took him by the arm and
led him somewhat further away.

"Now, Sir, there is a little matter I wish to speak of, if you will
permit. Indeed, I came specially to say how delighted I am that
the--ah--recent little unpleasantness has been removed. Of course you
understand my responsibility to the Bank rendered a certain course
of action imperative, however repugnant. But, believe me, I am truly
delighted to find that my decision to withdraw the--ah--action has been
entirely justified by events. Delighted, Sir! Delighted! And much more
since I have seen you."

Before the overflowing kindliness of Sir Archibald's voice and manner,
Cameron's hauteur vanished like morning mist before the rising sun.

"I thank you, Sir Archibald," he said, with dignity, "not only for this
letter, but especially for your good opinion."

"Very good! Very good! The letter will, I hope, be useful," replied Sir
Archibald, "and as for my opinion, I am glad to find not only that it is
well founded, but that it appears to be shared by most of this company
here. Now we must get back to your party. But let me say again, I am
truly glad to have come to know you."

BOOK TWO

CHAPTER I

HO FOR THE OPEN!

Mr. James Ritchie, manager of the Bank of Montreal, glanced from the
letter in his hand to the young man w