in, and the fact that his presence put no restraint on
her curiously pleased the man. At last, however, she opened a paper
and passed it across to him.

"You have been very patient, but no doubt you will find something that
will atone for my silence there," she said.

Winston turned over the journal, and then smiled at her. "Is there
anything of moment in your letters?"

"No," said the girl, with a little laugh. "I scarcely think there
is--a garden party, a big reception, the visit of a high official, and
a description of the latest hat. Still, you know, that is supposed to
be enough for us."

"Then I wonder whether you will find this more interesting: 'The bears
made a determined rally yesterday, and wheat moved back again. There
was later in the day a rush to sell, and prices now stand at almost two
cents below their lowest level.'"

"Yes," said Maud Barrington, noticing the sudden intentness of his
pallid face. "I do. It is serious news for you?"

"And for you! You see where I have led you. Ill or well, I must start
for Winnipeg to-morrow."

Maud Barrington smiled curiously. "You and I and a handful of others
stand alone, but I told you I would not blame you whether we won or
lost. Do you know that I am grateful for the glimpses of the realities
of life that you have given me?"

Winston felt his pulses throb faster, for the girl's unabated
confidence stirred him, but he looked at her gravely. "I wonder if you
realize what you have given me in return? Life as I had seen it was
very grim and bare--and now I know what, with a little help, it is
possible to make of it."

"With a little help?" said Maud Barrington.

Winston nodded, and his face which had grown almost wistful hardened.
"Those who strive in the pit are apt to grow blind to the best--the
sweetness and order, and all the little graces that mean so much. Even
if their eyes are opened, it is usually too late. You see, they lose
touch with all that lies beyond the struggle, and without some one to
lead them they cannot get back to it. Still, if I talk in this fashion
you will laugh at me, but every one has his weakness now and then--and
no doubt I shall make up for it at Winnipeg to-morrow. One can not
afford to be fanciful when wheat is two cents down."

Maud Barrington was not astonished. Tireless in his activities and,
more curious still, almost ascetic in his mode of life, the man had
already given her glimpses of his inner se