lthough it was quite true that Mr. Steinberg was the manager,
Switzer left no doubt in Jane's mind, as there was none in his own, that
the mine owed its present state of development to his driving energy and
to his organising ability. Jane readily forgave him his evident pride
in himself as he exclaimed, sweeping his hand toward the little village
that lay along the coolee,

"Ten weeks ago, Miss Brown, there was nothing here but a little black
hole in the hillside over there. To-day look at it. We have a company
organised, a village built and equipped with modern improvements, water,
light, drainage, etc. We are actually digging and shipping coal. It is
all very small as yet, but it is something to feel that a beginning has
been made."

"I think it is really quite a remarkable achievement, Mr. Switzer. And I
feel sure that I do not begin to know all that this means. They all say
that you have accomplished great things in the short time you have been
at work."

"We are only beginning," said Switzer again, "but I believe we shall
have a great mine. It will be a good thing--for the Gwynnes, I mean--and
that is worth while. Of course, my own money is invested here too and I
am working for myself, but I assure you that I chiefly think of them. It
is a joy, Miss Brown, to work for those you love."

"It is," replied Jane, slightly puzzled at this altruistic point of
view; "The Gwynnes are dear people and I am glad for their sakes. I love
them."

"Yes," continued Switzer, "this will be a great mine. They will be
wealthy some day."

"That will be splendid," said Jane. "You see I have only got to know
them well during this visit. Nine years ago I met them in Winnipeg when
I was a little girl. Of course, Kathleen was with us a great deal
last winter. I got to know her well then. She is so lovely, and she is
lovelier now than ever. She is so happy, you know."

Switzer looked puzzled. "Happy? Because you are here?"

"No, no. Because of her engagement. Haven't you heard? I thought
everybody knew."

Switzer stood still in his tracks. "Her engagement?" he said in a hushed
voice. "Her engagement to--to that"--he could not apparently get the
word out without a great effort--"that Englishman?"

Looking at his white face and listening to his tense voice, Jane felt
as if she were standing at the edge of a mine that might explode at any
moment.

"Yes, to Mr. Romayne," she said, and waited, almost holding her breath.

"It is n