where than in his own imagination. This, Morris admitted,
was possible, for their access of prosperity might, after all, be
no more than a resurrection of credit, vivified by the news of his
engagement with the only child of a man known to be wealthy. His uncle
Porson, with a solemnity that was almost touching, had bestowed upon
Mary and himself a jerky but earnest blessing before he drove home on
the night of the dinner-party. He went so far, indeed, as to kiss them
both; an example which the Colonel followed with a more finished but
equally heartfelt grace.

Now his uncle John beamed upon him daily like the noonday sun. Also
he began to take him into his confidence, and consult him as to the
erection of houses, affairs of business, and investments. In the course
of these interviews Morris was astonished, not to say dismayed, to
discover how large were the sums of money as to the disposal of which he
was expected to express opinions.

"You see, it will all be yours, my boy," said Mr. Porson one day, in
explanation; "so it is best that you should know something of these
affairs. Yes, it will all be yours, before very long," and he sighed.

"I trust that I shall have nothing to do with it for many years,"
blurted out Morris.

"Say months, say months," answered his uncle, stretching out his hands
as though to push something from him. Then, to all appearances overcome
by a sudden anguish, physical or mental, he turned and hurried from the
room.

Taking them all together, those five weeks were the happiest that Morris
had ever known. No longer was he profoundly dissatisfied with things in
general, no longer ravaged by that desire of the moth for the star which
in some natures is almost a disease. His outlook upon the world was
healthier and more hopeful; for the first time he saw its wholesome,
joyous side. Had he failed to do so, indeed, he must have been a very
strange man, for he had much to make the poorest heart rejoice.

Thus Mary, always a charming woman, since her engagement had become
absolutely delightful; witter, more wideawake, more beautiful. Morris
could look forward to the years to be spent in her company not only
without misgiving, but with a confidence that a while ago he would have
thought impossible. Moreover, as good fortunes never come singly, his
were destined to be multiplied. It was in those days after so many years
of search and unfruitful labour that at last he discovered a clue which
in the