ersation would have halted sadly
during the first difficult quarter of an hour, but that gentleman was
fortunately free from sentimental embarrassment, and kept the ball
rolling by his practical questions and remarks.

The voyage, it appeared, had been unusually calm and agreeable, and the
partners had thoroughly enjoyed the rest after the somewhat worrying
work of the last six months. Yes, everything was working out splendidly
as regards the new mine, and Miles was convinced that only time was
necessary to turn it into a huge success. Will Gerard would be a
millionaire some fine day, or something very like a millionaire, and he
would deserve all he got. The best fellow and the smartest, and the
hardest working, and the truest chum--

In the background saucy Jill dumbly echoed these well-worn sentiments,
rolling her eyes ceilingwards, and declaiming with outstretched hands,
till Miles, turning suddenly, caught sight of her, and burst into one of
his old hearty laughs.

"Well, what does that mean, Jill? What have I said to amuse you?"

Jill sparkled at him in her most captivating manner.

"_Toujours le bon_ Gerard! We have heard so much of this marvel that we
are dying to behold him. Snap-shots, we know, are not the most
flattering medium, so we ought not to judge by the likenesses we have
already seen, but he hardly appeals to me as a miracle of beauty! When
does he propose to dazzle our eyes by appearing before us in the flesh?"

Miles laughed once more.

"Not till next week, so you must exercise your patience, my dear. He
has his own people to see, and besides that he has too much tact to
intrude upon a fellow's first days at home. Gerard always knows what is
the right--" He broke off hastily as Jill resumed her silent pantomime
of admiration. "Oh, all right! I won't praise him any more. You can
find out his good points for yourself. If the truth were known, I
daresay he is anxious to get a new rig-out before he pays calls on
fascinating young ladies. We have neither of us a decent coat to our
backs, and must go tailor-hunting the first thing to-morrow morning. We
have not had much ladies' society abroad. I expect Gerard will fall
headlong in love when he sees you in that blouse, Jill!"

"I expect he will. They generally do! But it's no use. I don't care
for Colonials!" drawled Miss Jill, chin in air, and Miles' heated
repudiation of the term as applied to either his partner or himself
fail