expense, as long as full value was received, was too great.
Mrs. Wade found herself searching her memory. She was positive that not
since those occasions upon which he had brought home the sacks of candy
for the sheer sunshine of watching little Rose's glee had anyone's
pleasure been of enough importance to him to become his own. All this
present concern for her comfort talked far more plainly than words.

This time, Mrs. Wade admitted bravely to herself that her jealousy was
not for Billy. It would have been far easier for her if she had known
that Martin was thinking of their coming guest as he had last seen her
thirteen years before. He realized, thoroughly, that she must have grown
up, but before his mental eyes there still danced the roguish little
girl he had held so tenderly in his arms and had so longed to protect
and cherish.

He experienced a distinct sense of shock, therefore, when, tall, slender
and smartly dressed, Rose stepped off the train and, throwing her arms
impulsively around his neck, gave him an affectionate kiss. The feel of
those soft, warm lips lingered strangely, setting his heart to pounding
as he guided her down the platform.

"Uncle Martin, you haven't changed a bit!" she exclaimed joyously. "I
was wondering if I'd recognise you--imagine! Somehow, I thought thirteen
years would make a lot of difference, but you don't look a day older."

"You little blarney," he smiled, pleased nevertheless. "Well, here we
are," and he stopped before his fine Cadillac.

"Oh, Uncle Martin," gasped Rose ecstatically. "What a perfectly gorgeous
car! I thought all farmers were supposed to have Fords."

They laughed happily together.

"It's the best in these parts," he admitted complacently.

"It's too wonderful to think that it is really yours. Oh, Uncle Martin,
do you suppose you could ever teach me to drive it?"

"It takes a good deal of strength to shift the gears, but you can have a
try at it anyway, tomorrow."

"Oh-h-h!" she exulted, slipping naturally into their old comradeship.

Martin took her elbow as he helped her into the car. The firm young
flesh felt good--it was hard to let go. His thumb and under finger had
pressed the muscles slightly and they had moved under his touch. His
hand trembled a bit. The grace with which she stepped up gave him
another thrill. He was struck with her trim pump, and the several
inches of silk stocking that flashed before his eyes, so unaccustomed
to noticing