d thrive in your hands and everybody be content. It's obvious, quite
apart from his good qualities, why George was so popular."

Millicent did not suspect him of an intent to flatter her, and she
recognized that there was truth in what he said. She knew everybody on
the estate and knew their most pressing needs, and she undoubtedly
possessed the power of management. She had a keen discernment and could
arrive at a quick and just decision.

"Clarence," she said, "I shouldn't advise you to take the business
altogether out of Grierson's hands. He's honest, so far as you are
concerned, and one or two of the hardest things he did were by your
orders."

"You mean the Milburn and Grainger affair?" He showed a little
embarrassment. "Well, perhaps I was hasty then, but they would have
exasperated a much more patient man. I sometimes feel that I can't please
these people, whatever I do."

She smiled at this.

"They're not effusive, but they're loyal once you win their confidence.
But, to go back to Grierson--let him collect payments and handle the
money, but don't ask his advice as to how you will lay it out. Look
around, inquire into things, and trust your own judgment."

He turned to her beseechingly.

"I can't trust it in these matters--it hasn't been cultivated. If I'm to
keep out of further trouble and do any good, you must help me."

Millicent hesitated. It was not a little thing he asked. To guide him
aright would need thought and patient investigation. Still, there was, as
she had said, so much to be done--abuses to be abolished, houses to be
made habitable, burdens to be lifted from shoulders unable to carry them.
There was also land the yield from which could be increased by a very
moderate expenditure. She would enjoy the power to do these things which
the man's demand for help offered her, but she was more stirred by his
desire to redeem past neglect and set right his failures.

"Well," she promised, "you shall have my candid advice whenever you need
it."

He showed his gratitude, but he was conscious of a satisfaction that had
no connection with the welfare of his estate. He would have a legitimate
excuse for seeing her often; the work jointly undertaken would lead to a
closer confidence. He had always cherished a certain tenderness for her;
he must marry somebody with money before long; and though Millicent's
means were not so large as Bella's, they were not contemptible. He had
not the honesty to let th