ngs to Harlan's room.

The old man found his grandson much improved, both in spirits and garb.
In his fresh, cool, summer gray, erect, stalwart, and clear-eyed, he won
a grunt of approval from his mentor.

"There's nothing like being young, Luke! I was just telling you that the
boy was getting into the dumps--bound to study all the seams before he
put the coat on. But the world looks better now, doesn't it, son?"

"It's the fit of the coat that counts in politics," observed the
chairman, sagely. "And the one that was built last night fits like the
paper on the wall. Don't bother with the seams, Harlan. The lining
covers 'em."

"Presson likes the frame-up, Harlan," said the Duke, smiling broadly.
"He isn't even jealous because I thought of it first."

"Who else could have pulled it off as you have, Thelismer? It would take
more than straight politics to get Vard Waymouth out of his den. And I
could have offered only politics."

With an arm about each he pushed them to the door, saying that his wife
and daughter were waiting below. When Harlan turned from his respectful
greeting of the mother, whom he knew, he found Miss Presson looking at
him with frank and smiling interest. He had heard vague reports that
Madeleine Presson had blossomed into beautiful womanhood since he had
seen her. He had been prepared to meet a rather vain and pampered young
lady, conscious of her charms and attainments. He assumed a bit of
reserve as armor for his sensitiveness. But this attitude responded so
ill to her good-humored ease in renewing their acquaintanceship that he
was momentarily embarrassed, remembering what he had said to his
grandfather a few hours before.

"I think I have a most distinct recollection of Mr. Harlan Thornton.
When I was ten years old you brought me some lumps of spruce-gum in a
birch-bark box and I declined it, saying that young ladies did not chew
gum. But I took it when you looked so sad, and I carried it away to
boarding-school, and I found out that young ladies do chew gum--when no
one is watching them. That gift made me very popular, sir, and now I
thank you. I fear I did not thank you then."

"It's worth waiting all this time to hear you say that. I'm glad the
gift found appreciation, for I culled the winter pickings of a whole
logging crew for those red nuggets. I've been so distrustful of my good
taste ever since that I've never dared to give anything to a young
lady."

"I'm afraid you didn't rea