running forward to meet him, followed by the critical eyes
of Jack Romayne.

The young man came hurrying toward her. "Kathleen!" he cried. "Is it
really you?" He threw down his pole as he spoke and took her hand in
both of his, the flush on his fair face spreading to the roots of his
hair.

"You know Mrs. Waring-Gaunt," said Kathleen to him, for he paid no
attention at all to the others. Mrs. Waring-Gaunt acknowledged Switzer's
heel clicks, as also did her brother when introduced.

"You have been keeping the logs running, Ernest, I see. That is very
good of you," said Kathleen.

"Yes, there was the beginning of a nice little jamb here," said Switzer.
"They are running right enough now. But when did you return?" he
continued, dropping into a confidential tone and turning his back upon
the others. "Do you know I have not seen you for nine months?"

"Nine months?" said Kathleen. "I was away seven months."

"Yes, but I was away two months before you went. You forget that,"
he added reproachfully. "But I do not forget. Nine months--nine long
months. And are you glad to be back, Kathleen, glad to see all your
friends again, glad to see me?"

"I am glad to be at home, Ernest, glad to see all of my friends,
of course, glad to get to the West again, to the woods here and the
mountains and all."

"And you did not come in to see us as you passed," gazing at her with
reproachful eyes and edging her still further away from the others.

"Oh, we intended to come in on our way back."

"Let's move on," said Romayne to his sister.

"We must be going, Kathleen dear," said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. "You will
soon be coming to see us?"

"Yes, indeed, you may be sure. It is so good to see you," replied the
girl warmly, as Mrs. Waring-Gaunt kissed her good-bye. "Good-bye, Mr.
Romayne; we must finish our discussion another time."

"Always at your service," replied Mr. Romayne, "although I am rather
afraid of you. Thank you again for your hospitality. Good-bye." He held
her hand, looking down into the blue depths of her eyes until as
before the crimson in her face recalled him. "Good-bye. This has been a
wonderful day to me." He mounted his horse, lifted his hat, and rode off
after his sister.

"What sort of a chap is the Johnnie?" said Jack to his sister as they
rode away.

"Not a bad sort at all; very bright fellow, quite popular in this
community with the young fellows. He has lots of money, you know, and
spends it. Of course,