te act, that
you wish to abide by this letter, that you see nothing to recall nor
retract in its contents?"

Layton bowed an assent

"This is too bad--too bad," muttered the Colonel, as he fumbled for
his gloves, and dropped them twice over in his confusion. "I know well
enough where the sting lies: you are angry with Ogden; you suspect that
he has been meddling. Well, it's no affair of mine; you are the best
Judge. Not but a little prudence might have shown you that Ogden was a
dangerous man to offend,--a very dangerous man; but of course you know
best I have only to ask pardon for obtruding my advice unasked, a stupid
act always, but I 'm right sorry for it."

"I am very grateful for the intention, sir," said Layton, with dignity.

"That 's all I can claim," muttered the Colonel, whose confusion
increased every moment. "It was a fool's errand, and ends as it ought.
Good-bye!"

Layton arose and opened the door with a respectful air.

Karstairs offered his hand, and, as he grasped the other's warmly, said,
"I wish you would let me talk this over with your wife, Layton."

The doctor drew haughtily back, and, with a cold stare of astonishment,
said: "I have addressed you by your title, sir; _I_ have mine. At all
events, there is nothing in your station nor in my own to warrant this
familiarity."

"You are quite right,--perfectly right,--and I ask pardon."

It was a liberty never to be repeated, and the bronzed weatherbeaten
face of the old soldier became crimson with shame as he bowed deeply and
passed out.

Layton walked punctiliously at his side till he reached the boat,
neither uttering a word; and thus they parted. Lay-ton stood for a
moment gazing after the boat. Perhaps he thought that Karstairs would
turn his head again towards the shore; perhaps--who knows?--he hoped it
At all events, the old Colonel never once looked back, and the boat soon
rounded the point and was lost to view.

There are men so combative in their natures that their highest enjoyment
is derived from conflict with the world,--men whose self-esteem is never
developed till they see themselves attacking or attacked. Layton was one
of this unhappy number, and it was with a sort of bastard heroism that
he strolled back to the cottage, proud in the thought of how he stood,
alone and friendless, undeterred by the enmity of men of a certain
influence and station.

He was soon in his laboratory and at work, the reaction imparting a
great