d Sylvia's final capitulation to
Thinkright. There was neither reason nor comfort for her in desiring to
rival the finished and all-conquering Miss Derwent. Thinkright held out
the hope that she could alter her own thought; change that sore and
miserable consciousness to one where reigned the beauty of peace. Never
since that night of bitterness had she strayed from the path which her
new light revealed. Judge Trent's visit removed the last doubt as to
her remaining with Thinkright, and she knew that if the Mill Farm were
to be her home neither Miss Derwent nor Mr. Dunham would remain a
stranger to her. Then it became doubly necessary for her to think right
concerning them. They had not met for years until this summer; and now
there could surely be but one result from their meeting again. So they
stood, equal and preeminent, prince and princess of Sylvia's mental
realm, and there she meant to let them reign; meant to rejoice in their
happiness, and never to permit herself to dream one dream of this ideal
man which could not pass under the espionage of Edna's bright eyes.

CHAPTER XVII

THE ROSY CLOUD

Another spot which was a favorite with Sylvia was out beyond the
sheltered shores of the basin and the Tide Mill, on the point of land
where the open waters of Casco Bay stretched toward the neighboring
islands. Here the fir trees were small and huddled together in groups
to withstand the buffeting of winter winds; and here Sylvia sat within
a rocky nest she knew, during many a happy solitary hour, watching the
sword-fishers go out or return, and the smaller mackerel boats flit
lightly on their way.

On days when the great waters were gray and racked from storm, she saw,
in their turbulence and moaning, pictures of what her life might have
been, and then likened it to the quiet embowered waters of the basin,
where Thinkright's love held her safe. To feel gratitude was a novel
sensation to Sylvia, born with her new life. She could not remember
ever having been grateful for anything until she met her cousin.

The afternoon of this day when he had gone alone to town in the
farm-wagon she took her books and sought this rocky nest. There was a
steady sailing wind, and she wished for Thinkright, who often took her
out with him. Placing behind her back the calico-covered cushion she
had brought, she sank into her niche and opened her book, but
immediately her eye was allured and caught by the view, and again there
s