e, that a clear
conscience is as necessary to happiness as good digestion is to health,
and that we cannot walk alone through life. We must depend upon others
for about all the happiness we receive, and they on us. Then again we
had best remain with those we understand and who know us best. They and
they only can or will seem near to us. Your bells have carried me back
to those with whom I am allied by nature; and among them and in the pure
and simple life they live, I feel that peace and contentment may be
found. With you it is the same, my dear, and it is to keep you here
among those akin to you that I say what I have of the great world. Do
not wish to enter it; do not imagine you will find happiness there, for
you cannot. Here you are loved and understood, here are those you know
and can trust, and here every cliff, and gorge, and grove, every flower,
and bird, and ocean voice, contains a childish memory. Were you to leave
them behind every call of the church bells at eventide would carry your
heart back to these scenes again, as it has mine to those of my youth.
No, dear, be warned in time and remain content."

He meant it for her good, but she thought only of a similar bit of
advice he had given her once before, and one that wounded her to the
heart.

For a little longer they sat and watched the moonlight scene; Winn
unconscious that beside him was a girl whose ennobling ambition and
sweet, patient nature was a prize any man might feel proud to win, and
Mona quivering with an unaccountable heartache; and then he rose to go.

"It is getting late, dear," he said in his familiar way, "and we'd best
go home. You may catch cold if we stay here longer."

And Cupid, hovering on the old stone tower, turned away in sorrow for a
wasted opportunity.

But Winn held out his hand to assist Mona, and be it said to his credit,
he retained hers in a warm clasp until her gate was reached.

"Good night, dear," he said then as he opened it for her to enter, "and
sweet dreams."

CHAPTER XXII

TWO RASCALS

There are genial, liberal, and companionable rascals and mean,
contemptible, sneaking ones. The former attract by their apparent
honesty and cordial expressions, and are the more dangerous; the latter
repel by every look, act, and word. Of the first class J. Malcolm Weston
was a pertinent example, while Carlos B. Hill was of the latter.

On "the street" and among his associates Weston was considered a jovial,
good