ng with a bulldog tenacity. Edith knew
by this time that when his mind once settled upon a course diversion was
an impossibility, so she encouraged rather than opposed him. She left
Cosden's confidence in himself undisturbed while she encouraged his
dependence, and complacently permitted affairs to take their course.
Just when the master stroke would be delivered she could not tell, but
she was prepared to have it descend suddenly at any moment.

The fortnight had given Huntington a new lease of life. His efforts to
humanize Hamlen forced him out of his habitual course along the line of
least resistance, and without analyzing his new sensations he found them
to be agreeable. In addition to this Merry and he were boon companions
now, and he discovered that the vivacity of a young girl was no less
effective in making him forget his years than the noisier enthusiasm of
his youthful nephew. Merry accepted her responsibilities with great
seriousness, and discussed Hamlen's persistent obstinacy with Huntington
from every possible angle. In fact, Huntington made a point of inventing
new angles in order to prolong the discussions, and to supply the excuse
for walks and drives which threw them much together.

As a result of their growing intimacy Huntington came to favor Billy's
ambitions far above those of Cosden. He had not changed in his
conviction that neither one of them was at all suited to the girl, but
if it could be possible to hold matters in abeyance until the boy might
be developed up to her, there would at least be much satisfaction to him
personally if Merry could be kept in the family. Of course he must be
loyal to his friend, but as Cosden seemed to be finding much pleasure in
Miss Stevens' companionship his conscience did not suffer any twinges
which were too painful to be endured.

But complacency is ever a forerunner of seismic upheavals. The days had
repeated themselves often enough now for Huntington to regard their
routine as practically fixed, and he was anticipating the usual quiet,
after-breakfast smoke on the piazza, during which period he would
discuss with Merry some new attack upon Hamlen's obstinacy, or some new
trip during which the attack could be devised. This had seemed such a
certainty to Huntington that Cosden's words were in the nature of a
shock.

"Miss Thatcher and I are going sailing this morning," he announced.

"Eh--what? Oh, sailing--are you?" Huntington stumbled a bit before
recov