as well,
and I admit you have no grounds for being satisfied with the way I've
managed your property. You won't have much trouble in getting a better
steward."

Helen glanced at him, with a hint of fear. "But I don't want anybody
else. Do you mean to give up the farm?"

"Yes. As soon as I can arrange things for you I'm going to British
Columbia for a time. I've been offered a railroad contract, and as it's
a job I know something about, I mayn't fail at that."

"And you will leave me alone to face this slander?"

"The remedy's in your hands. I'm powerless if you won't use it. I can't
forbid Bob coming here; you can."

Helen hesitated. It was unfortunate that both were in an abnormal mood.
They had borne some strain, and the shock of the disaster to the crop
had left them with jangled nerves. This clouded Helen's judgment, but
reenforced her pride. She had meant well when she tried to help
Sadie with Bob, and could not give way to her husband's unreasonable
prejudice. This was a matter of principle. She could help Bob and must
not be daunted by vulgar gossip.

"No," she said; "I can't break my promise to Sadie for the reasons you
give. You must do what you think best."

Festing made a sign of acquiescence and went down the steps, while Helen
bit her lip. She wanted to call him back, but somehow could not. It
might be easier if he would look round, but he went on across the grass
and his step was resolute, although his head was bent. Then she got up,
and going to her room, sat down trembling. She had let her best chance
go; Stephen's resolve would stiffen, for when he had made a choice he
was hard to move. Besides, he had wounded her deeply. He did not seem to
understand that if he went away he would give people ground for thinking
the slander true. He ought to have seen this if he had thought about
her. Perhaps he had seen it and refused to let it influence him. Well,
if he wanted a reconciliation, he must make the first offer.

In the meantime, Festing went to look for the foreman, whom he could
trust. After some talk, the man agreed to manage the farm for the winter
on the terms Festing indicated. Then the latter asked if the other men
would go with him to the Pacific Slope, and finding them willing, went
back to his office and carefully studied his accounts. He was glad
to think that Helen had sufficient help and that the staid Scottish
housekeeper would take care of her. By and by he wrote a note and then
dr