back by his partner's
manner; "I had absolutely no opportunity for writing, or I would have
written you earlier, and then, really, you know, it was hardly to be
expected that I would write Miss Underwood, considering her attitude
towards myself. I am hoping that she will regard me with more favor
after this little absence."

"You will probably be able to judge of that on her return," the elder
man answered, dryly.

Kate, on being informed by letter of her father's condition, had wished
to return home at once. She had been deterred from doing so by brief
messages from him to the effect that she remain with her friends, but
she was unable to determine whether those messages were prompted by
kindness or anger. On the evening following Walcott's return, however,
Mr. Underwood dictated to Darrell a letter to Kate, addressing her by
her pet name, assuring her of his constant improvement, and that she
need on no account shorten her visit but enjoy herself as long as
possible, and enclosing a generous check as a present.

To Darrell and to Mrs. Dean, who was sitting near by with her knitting,
this letter seemed rather significant, and their eyes met in a glance of
mutual inquiry. After Mr. Underwood had retired Darrell surprised that
worthy lady by an account of her brother's reception of Walcott that
day, while she in turn treated Darrell to a greater surprise by telling
him of Kate's renunciation of Walcott at the last moment, before she
knew anything of the postponement of the wedding.

As they separated for the night Darrell remarked, "I may be wrong, but
it looks to me as though the cause of Mr. Underwood's illness was the
discovery of some evidence of bad faith on Walcott's part."

"It looks that way," Mrs. Dean assented; "I've always felt that man
would bring us trouble, and I hope David does find him out before it's
too late."

_Chapter XXIV_

FORESHADOWINGS

During Mr. Underwood's illness and convalescence it was pathetic to
watch his dependence upon Darrell. He seemed to regard him almost as a
son, and when, as his health improved, Darrell spoke of returning to the
camp, he would not hear of it.

Every day after Walcott's return Mr. Underwood was taken to the office,
where he gradually resumed charge, directing the business of the firm
though able to do little himself. As he was still unable to write, he
wished Darrell to act as his secretary, and the latter, glad of an
opportunity to reciprocate M