aming your father for it; it has come down
from generation to generation; but there has never been dishonor, thank
God--there has never been a dishonest Porter in my husband's family,
and, please God, there never may be. That would be too much! It would
kill me. And it's better that you go, Allis, for Alan is but a boy,
and the temptations to a young man at the race course must be almost
impossible to resist. Besides, your going may bring new life to your
father; the doctor is so hopeful--he says it will. He was afraid that
he had shocked me, when he said you were to win races for your father's
good. It displeased the pastor; I know it did, but perhaps he doesn't
quite understand how much we have at stake."

"He's so narrow, mother."

"The Reverend Mr. Dolman thinks only of our souls, daughter; naturally,
too, and one can hardly be a Christian and race horses. But we have got
so much to consider. I hope I am not wrong in feeling glad that you are
able to look after our interests. I should like to pray for your success
even, Allis. It might be wrong; I might feel guilty; but if it makes
your father better, don't you think I'd be forgiven?"

"I'm sure you would, mother, and it would make me stronger. I'm so glad.
I didn't want to displease you. I wanted you to feel that I was doing
right. It will be lighter now; I sha'n't mind what anybody says if
you're with me, mother. Now everything will come out right; I know it
will. And if it does, if father gets strong, just out of thankfulness,
I'll coax him to try something else, for your sake, mother."

"No, for his own, Allis. I think only of him in this matter." The
prospective commencement of the racing campaign seemed to foreshadow a
complete fulfillment of the doctor's prophecy should success smile upon
this modern Joan of Arc; for the bustle of preparation was music to
the ears of the stricken man, and he fought the lethargic fever of
discontent that was over him until his eyes brightened and his face took
on a hopeful look of interest.

"Brave little woman," he said to Allis, "it's a shame for a great hulk
as I am to lie up here, while you fight the sharks that were almost too
much for your father."

Then he spoke a little lower, as a man utters unfamiliar words for the
first time. "Your mother said that Providence would look after you.
Sounds strange, doesn't it, girl? But I'm glad. Your mother was so
bitter--I don't blame her--now she's turned right around. And, A