than it had
been for many a day. He walked along with the swing of a man who has a
definite purpose in life, and from whose heart all gloomy thoughts have
been banished. He did not try to account for this mood. It was
sufficient for him that in some way a load had been for a time lifted
from his mind. He would let the future look out for itself, and enjoy
the present as far as it was possible for him to do so.

Reaching a clump of trees, he sat down by the side of the road to rest.
The shade was refreshing, for he was quite warm as he had been walking
fast. Birds sang in the branches above him, and fanned the air with
their light wings. Butterflies zigzagged past, and honey-laden bees
sped by like express trains. He watched them with much interest, and
mused upon their activity. Each had a special work to do, and was
performing it to the best of its ability. He was glad now that he was
alive, and had something definite in view. It was far better than
groping around in a haphazard way looking for work. Something seemed
to tell him that he was entering upon the trail of a mystery and he was
eager to follow the scent wherever it might lead. The spirit of
adventure was in his blood, mingled with the nectar of romance. It had
always been there, inherited from his ancestors. It was that same
spirit which had caused him to leave the farm and enter college several
years before. It had always been with him, and was stronger now than
ever. He would follow the quest to the end, and see what the outcome
would be.

Jasper was about to rise and proceed on his way when, glancing along
the road, he saw Lois coming toward him. His heart beat fast when he
saw her, and his first impulse was to get away out of sight. Why
should he meet her? he asked himself. She had no use for him, and
would not consider it worth while to talk to one of whom her brother
and Sammie Dingle were always making fun.

As he hesitated, Lois drew nearer. She was walking very slowly as if
in deep thought. She wore a simple white dress, and a light,
broad-rimmed hat which partly shaded her face. To Jasper she seemed
the very embodiment of grace and beauty as she moved toward him. In
her all the charm of the glorious day, of bird and flower seemed to be
combined. He was lifted out of himself, entranced, and by the time she
was opposite the clump of trees he was standing by the side of the
road, with hat in his hand, confused and abashed.