e when you return. Stop at the Corners
and bring back enough food for to-night; to-morrow we'll set up
housekeeping. I'll make myself comfortable. And oh! Saxton!"

"Yes, sir."

"Stop at the post office and ask for mail."

Janet's blood rose hotly.

"Caught!" she whispered; then she smiled feebly. She could not see the
speaker; he was at the front of the house. She heard the wheels outside
turn and go rapidly away. A grating of the lock of the long unopened
front door sounded next: then a rapid stride brought the stranger to the
library!

"Rather a quiet welcome home!" The man, believing himself alone, spoke
aloud and laughed unconcernedly.

"There's always a feeling of companionship in books. Everything looks in
good condition." He gave a comprehensive glance around the room.

This was no stranger, but the master of Bluff Head!

When Janet was six she had last seen this man, and he had changed less
since then than had she. From her shelter she eyed him as he flung
travelling coat, hat, and dress-suit case upon a divan and himself in a
deep leather chair. He was tall, handsome, and elegant. The iron gray
head pressing the chair-back was one to draw the second glance from a
stranger as a matter of course. The clear, blue-gray eyes took in the
walls lined with books. The white hands, clasped in front of the broad
chest, showed nerve force and strength.

Janet, trapped and desperate, first contemplated a leap from the open
window, but that method of exit was discarded upon second thought. It
would definitely end all further expectation of reaching the world of
books! While there was hope in other directions, she must choose more
sanely. She ventured a cough. So slight a sound in that silence might
well have shaken the strongest nerves. The man in the chair, however,
did not move, but his eyes fell instantly upon the alcove. The parted
curtains, now that the girl raised herself forward, gave a full view of
the slight form and vivid face. The calm eyes from the chair wavered an
instant and the nostrils twitched; then the man laughed carelessly.

"Won't you come out and be friendly?" he said.

"Thank you." Janet came forth, book in hand, with eyes full of
amusement. There was an awkward pause while the man gazed steadily at
her. Then Janet spoke.

"I, I suppose you've come now, to stay?" It sounded brusque and
unmannerly, but it was the only remark that occurred to her.

"I had thought of making rather a stay,