urt to Bessy Houghton for the sake of her wealth, and
her decided repulse of his advances was a remembrance that made him
grit his teeth yet. He had hated her bitterly ever since.

Lawrence was brushing his pet mare's coat until it shone like satin,
and whistling "Annie Laurie" until the rafters rang. Bessy had sung it
for him the night before. He could see her plainly still as she had
looked then, in her gown of vivid red--a colour peculiarly becoming to
her--with her favourite laces at wrist and throat and a white rose in
her hair, which was dressed in the high, becoming knot she had always
worn since the night he had shyly told her he liked it so.

She had played and sung many of the sweet old Scotch ballads for him,
and when she had gone to the door with him he had taken both her hands
in his and, emboldened by the look in her brown eyes, he had stooped
and kissed her. Then he had stepped back, filled with dismay at his
own audacity. But Bessy had said no word of rebuke, and only blushed
hotly crimson. She must care for him, he thought happily, or else she
would have been angry.

When his mother came in at the stable door her face was hard and
uncompromising.

"Lawrie," she said sharply, "where are you going again tonight? You
were out last night."

"Well, Mother, I promise you I wasn't in any bad company. Come now,
don't quiz a fellow too close."

"You are going to dangle after Bessy Houghton again. It's time you
were told what a fool you were making of yourself. She's old enough to
be your mother. The whole settlement is laughing at you."

Lawrence looked as if his mother had struck him a blow in the face. A
dull, purplish flush crept over his brow.

"This is some of George's work," he broke out fiercely. "He's been
setting you on me, has he? Yes, he's jealous--he wanted Bessy himself,
but she would not look at him. He thinks nobody knows it, but I do.
Bessy marry him? It's very likely!"

"Lawrie Eastman, you are daft. George hasn't said anything to me. You
surely don't imagine Bessy Houghton would marry you. And if she would,
she is too old for you. Now, don't you hang around her any longer."

"I will," said Lawrence flatly. "I don't care what anybody says. You
needn't worry over me. I can take care of myself."

Mrs. Eastman looked blankly at her son. He had never defied or
disobeyed her in his life before. She had supposed her word would be
law. Rebellion was something she had not dreamed of. Her li