h thoughts arise within such a little
head? How could such serious schemes brood behind such laughing lips and
sparkling eyes? Strange that such should be the case, but truth is
ofttimes strange.

Since the railroad had been extended through the valley, the town of
Willowby had grown wonderfully. Its long, straight streets enclosing the
rectangular squares, had not crept, but had sped swiftly out into the
country on all sides, and especially towards the mountains, until now
the Ames place was within the corporated city limits. Willowby soon
became a shipping point for grain and fruits to the markets which the
mining towns to the north afforded. The Ames orchard consisted of the
finest fruits which commanded a high price. Yes, the property was fast
making its owners rich.

Rupert Ames was a "rising young man," lacking the finished polish of a
higher education, no doubt, but still, he was no "green-horn." Even Miss
Wilton had to acknowledge that, when she became acquainted so that she
could speak freely with him. He was a shrewd business man and knew how
to invest his growing bank account. It was no secret that city lots and
business property were continually being added to his possessions.

As to home life at the farm, Miss Wilton was always charmed with the
kind hearted mother, the bright, cheerful Nina, and the handsome, sober
head of the family. Such a beautiful spirit of harmony brooded over the
place! Even within the year, the observant young woman could see signs
of culture and coming wealth. The repairing of old buildings, and the
erecting of the new ones; the repainting and decorating of rooms; the
addition of costly pictures and furniture; the beautifying of the
outside surroundings--all this was observed, and a mental note taken.

For a time Rupert Ames was quite reserved in the presence of the young
school teacher. Naturally reticent, he was more than ever shy in the
company of an educated lady from the East. Rupert never saw her but he
thought of the day of her arrival on Dry Bench and the time when he held
her in his arms. Never had he referred to the latter part of the
episode, though she often talked of her peculiar introduction to them.

At the end of the first year, Miss Wilton had so far shown that she was
but common flesh and blood that Rupert had been in her company to a
number of socials, and they had walked from church a few times together.
Dame gossip at once mated the two, and pronounced it a