ell, that's why I'm a
foreman, and always will be."

But after a little reflection Linder came to the conclusion that perhaps
it was all for the best. He could not have bought Y.D.'s daughter a big
sparkler or have built her a fine home--because he was a foreman. It
was a round circle.... He threw himself into the building of Transley's
house with as much fidelity as if it had been his own. He gave his
undivided attention to Transley's interests, making dollars for him
while earning cents for himself. This attention was more needed than it
ever had been, as Transley found it necessary to make weekly trips to
the ranch in the foothills to consult with Y.D. upon business matters.

Zen found her interest in Transley growing as his attentions continued.
He spent money upon her lavishly, to the point at which she protested,
for although Y.D. was rated as a millionaire the family life was one of
almost stark simplicity. Transley assured her that he was making money
faster than he possibly could spend it, and even if not, money had no
nobler mission than to bring her happiness. He explained the blue-prints
of the house, and discussed with her details of the appointments. As the
building progressed he brought her weekly photographs of it. He urged
her to set the date about Christmas; during the winter contracting would
be at a standstill, so they would spend three months in California and
return in time for the spring business.

Day by day the girl turned the situation over in her mind. Her life
had been swept into strange and unexpected channels, and the experience
puzzled her. Since the episode with Drazk she had lost some of her
native recklessness; she was more disposed to weigh the result of her
actions, and she approached the future not without some misgivings. She
assured herself that she looked forward to her marriage with Transley
with the proper delight of a bride-to-be, and indeed it was a prospect
that could well be contemplated with pleasure.... Transley had won the
complete confidence of her father and when doubts assailed her Zen found
in that fact a very considerable comfort. Y.D. was a shrewd man; a man
who seldom guessed wrong. Zen did not admit that she was allowing
her father to choose a husband for her, but the fact that her father
concurred in the choice strengthened her in it. Transley had in him
qualities which would win not only wealth, but distinction, and she
would share in the laurels. She told her