to take charge, this coming November, of a large church
and congregation in the manufacturing city where my uncle resides. Uncle
George, for whom I was named, is now with my mother visiting friends in
New York. They have kindly selected as my future wife, my uncle's
favorite niece and prospective heiress to his wealth. When last we met,
four years ago, Martha Merritt was a sweet little miss in short
dresses; but gave promise, even then, of unfolding into a lovely woman.
To tell you the truth, under the circumstances, I am more than half
prepared to fall in love with her when we meet again. However ambitious
my day dreams in the past may have been, a not unkindly fate has woven
the web of destiny for me and fixed my future life work without much
effort on my part; and yet I am quite content to have it so. Two weeks
ago I left the heat and bustle of the great city for a month's rest in
this quiet place. I little dreamed of meeting you here; I need not say I
am delighted: I am, thoroughly so. I find you looking your best, yet I
can easily perceive you have been hard at work as usual. I do not
believe you could possibly keep still and rest, even for one short week,
let the inducement to do so be ever so great. And now, my dear Fillmore,
since I have, so to speak, brought myself up to date for your benefit,
may I ask for a similar service on your part?"

CHAPTER II.

THE OUTLINES OF A GREAT PROBLEM.

Fillmore Flagg, seemingly self absorbed, remained silent for some
moments, softly stroking his chin with his strong, shapely hand, his
dreamy eyes with far-off vision intent, apparently noting details in the
hazy borders of the distant landscape. At last, turning to his friend
with a hearty hand clasp he said: "George Gaylord, I congratulate you;
your future is bright; you deserve it, your mother deserves it. The
fates have been very generous with you. I am glad you are content to
accept the good things of life which they bring to you.

"As for myself, my lines of life are cast in swift waters. My
environments, in their reaction upon me from within, seem to develop a
determined will to wrench from the rocks of destiny by ceaseless and
persistent effort, whatever gifts I am to possess or enjoy. Work I must.
Obstacles seem only to stimulate my ambition to overcome them. Yet I am
passionately fond of the beautiful; poetry, music and art in all the
loveliness of its varied forms; they affect me profoundly. This poetic
si