are either trying not to see something, Gordon, or
to forget it as soon as you can," he said.

Gordon laughed at little. "You are not often mistaken, Courthorne.
That is precisely what we are doing. I presume you haven't heard what
occurred here an hour ago?"

"No!" said Winston. "I'm not very curious if it does not concern me."

Gordon looked at him steadily. "I fancy it does. You see that young
fool Ferris was suggesting that you had been mixed up in something not
very creditable at the settlement lately. As it happened, Maud
Barrington overheard him and made him retract before the company. She
did it effectively, and if it had been any one else, the scene would
have been almost theatrical. Still, you know nothing seems out of
place when it comes from the Colonel's niece. Nor if you had heard her
would you have wanted a better advocate."

For a moment the bronze deepened in Winston's forehead, and there was a
gleam in his eyes, but though it passed as rapidly as it came, Gordon
had seen it and smiled when the farmer moved away.

"That's a probability I never counted on," he thought, "Still, I fancy
if it came about, it would suit everybody but the Colonel."

Then he turned as Mrs. Macdonald came up to him. "What are you doing
here alone when I see there is nobody talking to the girl from
Winnipeg?"

The man laughed a little. "I was wondering whether it is a good sign
or otherwise when a young woman is, so far as she can decently be,
uncivil to a man who desires her good-will."

Mrs. Macdonald glanced at him sharply, and then shook her head. "The
question is too deep for you--and it is not your affair. Besides,
haven't you seen that indiscreet freedom of speech is not encouraged at
Silverdale?"

In the meanwhile Winston, crossing the room, took a vacant place at
Maud Barrington's side. She turned her head a moment and looked at him.

Winston nodded. "Yes, I heard," he said. "Why did you do it?"

Maud Barrington made a little gesture of impatience. "That is quite
unnecessary. You know I sent you."

"Yes," said Winston, a trifle dryly, "I see. You would have felt mean
if you hadn't defended me?"

"No," said the girl, with a curious smile. "That was not exactly the
reason, but we cannot talk too long here. Dane is anxious to take us
home in his new buggy, but it would apparently be a very tight fit for
three. Will you drive me over?"

Winston only nodded, for Mrs. Macdonald approach