elds, the mighty
balm-of-gilead tree, the lilac bushes, and the dull red walls of the
house standing back from the village street, not far from the
white-steepled church. She could see it all, plainly. The thought
came to her suddenly that it was home. It was the first realization
she had of old Hercules Thayer's kindness. It was Home for her who had
else been homeless. She hugged the thought in thankfulness.

"Now, Miss Agatha Redmond, if you will come--"

The eternity had ended; and time, with its swift procession of hours
and days, had begun again.

CHAPTER XII

SEEING THE RAINBOW

A few days on a yacht, with a calm sea and sun-cool weather, may be
something like a century of bliss for a pair of lovers, if they happen
to have taken the lucky hour. The conventions of yacht life allow a
companionship from dawn till dark, if they choose to have it; there is
a limited amount of outside distraction; if the girl be an outdoor
lass, she looks all the sweeter for the wind rumpling her hair; and on
shipboard, if anywhere, mental resourcefulness and good temper achieve
their full reward.

Aleck had been more crafty than he knew when he carried Melanie and
Madame Reynier off on the _Sea Gull_. Almost at the last moment Mr.
Chamberlain had joined them, Aleck's liking for the man and his
instinct of hospitality overcoming his desire for something as near as
possible to a solitude _a deux_ with Melanie.

They could not have had a better companion. Mr. Chamberlain was
nothing less than perfect in his position as companion and guest. He
enjoyed Madame Reynier's grand duchess manners, and spared himself no
trouble to entertain both Madame Reynier and Melanie. He was a hearty
admirer, if not a suitor, of the younger woman; but certain it was,
that, if he ever had entertained personal hopes in regard to her, he
buried them in the depths of his heart by the end of their first day on
the _Sea Gull_. He understood Aleck's position with regard to Melanie
without being told, and instantly brought all his loyalty and courtesy
into his friend's service.

Madame Reynier had an interest in seeing the smaller towns and cities
of America; "something besides the show places," she said. So they
made visits ashore here and there, though not many. As they grew to
feel more at home on the yacht, the more reluctant they were to spend
their time on land. Why have dust and noise and elbowing people, when
they might be cutti