kindness will I think lessen my
daughter's difficulty respecting the commissariat," he said. "There
are, of course, many of the little things we were used to which she
feels the loss of."

Seaforth, who read a good deal more than his words expressed in the
speaker's face, signed to his comrade, who went out and returned later
with a hamper. "Somebody must have forgotten to put the venison in,
but the other things are all there," he said.

Townshead assisted them to unpack the hamper, and while they were busy
over it his daughter came in. It was apparently raining, for the thin
white dress clung about her, and she seemed very white and weary.
Darkness was drawing on, the room was dim, and at first she apparently
only saw her father as she stood taking off her hat by the window.

"Nothing again to-day, and I am very tired," she said. "Still, I am to
call at another store to-morrow, and I was wickedly extravagant. I was
kept until it was too late for dinner, and I bought something that will
please you for supper."

Then as she turned to lay the wet hat down the blood rushed to her
face, for she saw Alton kneeling by the hamper and Seaforth standing in
the shadow behind her father's chair. The former did not rise, but his
comrade came forward smiling in another moment.

"I am glad we did not miss you, as we were about to go when you came
in," he said. "These are one or two trifles Harry fancied might be
useful. He is absurdly proud of all the products of Somasco, and seems
to think nobody can get anything nice in the city."

Seaforth also talked a good deal, and Miss Townshead smiled now and
then at him, but when she went with them to the door he lingered a
moment because he felt her eyes were on him.

"Your comrade didn't support you well, and I don't think the expedient
would have occurred to him," she said, with a little tremor in her
voice. "Still, it was done in kindness--and I am grateful."

Seaforth smiled gravely, though his face perplexed the girl. "A little
faith is a good thing, and people should believe what they're told,"
said he. "Now I wonder if one could take the liberty?"

"No," said the girl. "Even if he had the best intentions. I and my
father have not lost our pride."

Seaforth sighed as he turned away, and, when he rejoined Alton, stared
at the lights of the city savagely, while as they passed along the
water-front he said, "Will you give me a cigar, Harry?"

Alton drew out his