s. Gladwyne did not appear, but he had a good deal to think of and was
content to wait. He had grown fond of the stately lady and it was,
indeed, largely for her sake that he had decided not to reveal for a
while what he knew about the tragedy in British Columbia. He could not
absolutely prove his version of the affair, and it would bring distress
upon the mother of the offender; he had already waited two years and,
though he felt that his dead comrade had a strong claim on him, he could
wait a little longer. Fate might place conclusive evidence in his hands
or remove some of his difficulties. Besides, he must go back as soon as
possible to the Canadian North, and in one respect he was very loath to
do this.

At last he heard a footstep and his hostess came in. Her dress was not of
the latest fashion, but it somehow struck him as out of place; she ought
to have been attired in the mode of a century ago, with powder in her
hair. Nevertheless, fragile as she was, with her fine carriage and her
gracious smile, she made an attractive picture in the ancient room.

"I've come on an unpleasant errand--to say good-by--and to thank you for
many favors shown to a stranger," he said.

"I think you were never that from the beginning," she told him. "By and
by we learned the reason--you really belong to us."

He made a gesture of humorous expostulation.

"I like to believe that I belong here, but not because of the explanation
you give. It doesn't seem to be much to my credit that my forefathers
lived in this part of the country; I'd rather be taken on my actual
merits, if that isn't, too egotistical."

"They did live here," she rejoined. "You can't get over that--it has its
influence."

It was the point of view he had expected her to take.

"We are very sorry you are going," she continued; "somehow we hardly
anticipated it. Have you ever thought of coming back for good?"

She was unconsciously giving him the lead he desired, but he would not
seize it precipitately; he was half afraid.

"No," he answered, smiling; "my work's out yonder. I couldn't sit idle. I
think Miss Gladwyne hit it when she told me that I was one of the
pioneers."

His hostess showed more comprehension than he had looked for.

"Yes; I set you down as one of the men who prefer heat and cold, want of
food, and toil, to the comforts they could have at home. I have met a
few, sons of my old friends, and heard of others. After all, we have a
good many o