n open suitor."

"I have not said they were good times."

"Nor have you said they were not. He evidently enjoys them, and little
wonder. You can make any fellow have a good time without trying. I
don't pretend to understand the necessity of your being so friendly,
or tolerant, or what you will, with him; neither do I pry or question.
My regard for you makes trust imperative. I do trust you as readily as
you should trust me. What else can we do till times are better?"

"What do you mean by saying, 'till times are better?'" she asked,
in gentle solicitude. "Are you having a hard time in town, like poor
papa?"

"Oh, bless you! no. I don't suppose Henry is making much. He's the
kind of man to take in sail in times like these. I'm not in the
firm yet, you know, but shall be soon. My foreign department of the
business is all right. I left it snug and safe. Of course, I don't
know much about things on this side of the water yet. Mr. Muir is not
the kind of man to speak to any one about his affairs unless it is
essential, but if anything were amiss he would have told me. I know
the times are dismal, and I am better off on my assured salary than if
in the firm now. No one but 'bears' are making anything."

"I hope your brother isn't in anxiety, like papa," she said, warmly.

His quick commercial instinct took alarm, and he asked, "What, have
you heard anything?"

"Oh, no indeed. Papa says that Mr. Muir is one of the most
conservative of men; but he also says that there is scarcely a chance
now for any honest man, and that investments which once seemed as
solid as these mountains are sinking out of sight. If it wasn't so we
shouldn't be so worried. He wouldn't like it if he knew I was talking
to you in this way; but then I know it will go no further, and
naturally my mind dwells on the subject of his anxieties. What
wouldn't I do to help him!" she concluded, with a fine enthusiasm.

"I think you are doing a great deal to help him, Stella," he said,
gravely and gently; "and, believe me, it involves no little sacrifice
on my part also."

"But you have promised to be patient, Graydon."

"I have, but you cannot think that I like it or approve of the
diplomacy you are compelled to practice, even though your motive be
unselfish and filial. I don't think you ought to be placed in such a
position, and would that it were in my power to relieve you from it!"

Tears of self-commiseration came into her eyes, and they appeared to