basis of 'family'; but I have learned from
you that there are other things, like the trait I mentioned, for
instance, that count more than lineage. Before we went abroad I knew
Carey was interested in you, with the first flutter of a young girl's
fancy, and I was secretly antagonistic to that feeling. But last
night, David, I came to feel differently. I envied your mother when I
read those banners. If I had a son like you, I'd feel honored to take
in washing or anything else for him."

At the look of ineffable sadness in his eyes her tears came.

"David," she said gently, after a pause, "if you can win Carey's love,
I shall gladly give my consent."

He thanked her incoherently, and was seized with an uncontrollable
longing to get away--to be alone with this great, unbelievable
happiness. In realization of his mood, she left him under pretext of
ordering the luncheon. On her return she found him exuberant, in a
flow of spirits and pleasantry.

"Mrs. Winthrop," he said earnestly, as he was taking his departure, "I
am not going to tell Carey just yet that I love her."

"As you wish, David. I shall not mention our conversation."

She smiled as the door closed upon him.

"Tell her! I wonder if he doesn't know that every time he looks at
her, or speaks her name, he tells her. But I suppose he has some
foolish mannish pride about waiting until he is governor."

When David, in a voice vibrant with new-found gladness, finished an
eloquent address to a United Band of Workmen, he found Mr. Winthrop
waiting for him.

"I was sent to bring you to the hotel to dine with us, David. My wife
told me of your conversation."

Noting the look of apprehension in David's eyes, he continued:

"Every time a suitor for Carey has crossed our threshold I've turned
cold at the thought of relinquishing my guardianship. With you it is
different; I can only quote Carey's childish remark--'with David I
would have no afraidments.'"

A touch upon his shoulder prevented David's reply. He turned to find
Joe and Fletcher.

"Knowles has been looking for you everywhere. He wants you to come to
headquarters at once."

"Is it important?" asked David hesitatingly.

"Important! Knowles! Say, David, have you forgotten that you are
running for governor?"

Winthrop laughed appreciatively.

"Go back to Knowles, David, and come to us when you can. We have no
iron-clad rules as to hours. Go with him, Joe, to be sure he doesn't
forget where he is