ny rich acres and wealthy
kinsfolk behind them at home."

Her voice changed, and I think the last part was intended to have its
meaning, but a sudden impulse overcame my reason, and I answered rashly:

"That may well be, but there are none among them who would work or starve
for her as I should. I am only a poor settler, but with one purpose always
before him a determined man may accomplish much. However, I didn't mean to
tell you or any one this until--my partner and I have accomplished
something; and yet perhaps I have said too much not to finish."

Miss Carrington moved in her wrappings so that she could meet my eyes, but
when I returned her gaze steadily it was a relief to find sympathy rather
than anger in her face.

"I think you have," she said, with gentleness.

So, tightening my grip on the reins, I continued doggedly: "Then, even at
the risk of seeming a presumptuous fool, you shall hear it all. This new
land is for the strong and enterprising, who will stake their best on
success within it, and with the hope I have before me I must succeed. So
while brain and sinew hold out neither drought, nor frost, nor hardship
shall turn me aside until--until I am more equal in worldly possessions
with Colonel Carrington. Others have risen from obscurity to hold many
acres, and somehow I feel that I shall do so too. But if I owned half the
Dominion it would be little to offer Miss Carrington, and without her my
present holding would content me." Then I ended slowly, "I wonder whether,
even in that case, there would be any chance for me?"

My companion's face was grave under the moonlight, but she touched my arm
with a friendly gesture, as she answered: "Those are a young man's words,
and I suppose some would call them foolish; but though I am old I like the
spirit in them. After all, even in these days, we have not done with
romance, and a stout heart is often better than land and property. Grace
is like you in many ways; she takes life seriously, and I fancy she sees,
as I do, that some of us are spending our best on pleasure in Carrington.
My brother is a stern, proud man, and yet, as you say, the good things
come to those who can fight and wait for them. More I cannot tell you."

"Thank you, Miss Carrington," I answered, feeling that for ever afterward
she had made me her servant. "Now, please forget it all until some day I
say the same thing to Colonel Carrington; and forgive me for ever telling
you," but her eye