e's pet hobby. He lost the chance of a college
education, and many other privileges, through adhering to it, and says
he has never regretted his action for a moment."

Gilbert was silent. The unbelievable thing must be true, then. This
girl was sacrificing her own chance of advancement for the sake of her
brother and sister. He looked at her with a feeling of reverence. To
give up so much was commendable, but to give it up quietly, without a
murmur, without even the chance of commendation--that was splendid.

"'You are in line with the universe,'" he quoted.

She glanced at him as if in alarm, and quickly changed the subject.
Gilbert understood; he was tacitly informed that her sacrifice was to
remain a secret.

He stifled a sigh. He could not help remembering, just then, that he
had acted quite a different part when duty had called to one path, and
ambition and pleasure to another. He had merely postponed the duty, of
course; that was not really shirking it, for he intended to perform it
to the last jot. Nevertheless, he wished that it had been done years
ago; and then he recalled the words of the dark watchman, and felt
himself grow hot again.

They turned another curve, and came out of the cool, green silence into
the hard, white, sunlit road that ran straight up to Elmbrook.

"I wonder if the telescope's on us!" cried the doctor, with a boyish
desire to get away from his uncomfortable reflections. He checked
himself, abashed, and glanced at his companion. Her stately gravity
made him half afraid of her. He thought of Rosalie's irresistible
gaiety, and longed for her radiant companionship. To his surprise,
Miss Cameron's eyes twinkled. Apparently, she had a sense of humor,
after all.

"That shows how thoroughly un-Elmbrooked you still remain. It's been
resting in the northeast window ever since you drove away, and Granny
Long has been wheeled in there to watch for your return." Gilbert felt
vastly more at his ease.

"You make me feel as if I were a new constellation."

"Or a rising star--I hope you are."

"Thank you. When you get to be the second Albani----"

"And you the greatest consulting physician in Canada----"

"Of course I shall remember that you encouraged me."

"It isn't really a joke, you know," she said with sweet seriousness.
"I don't think--I know you don't realize how important you are in the
eyes of the people about you. It is an"--her eyes were very grave--"an
exacting