ing at the legal paper pasted inside it, muttered a
curse and went his way. Sometimes he visited the exchange to watch the
unceasing tossing of stock dice for an hour, to kill time; then to
Page's office to chat with him, and then to the club, feeling himself
less and less in touch with this grind of city life as the days went by.

He lived, too, in daily expectation of a letter from Mona, and receiving
none, that added to his gloom. Just why, he could not understand; and
then a species of pride crept into his feelings, and he imagined she
might have been cautioned by her mother not to answer him. He began to
feel a little hurt at the thought that this timid girl might feel afraid
of him; and although swayed by emotions and seemingly his own when they
parted, he feared that on reflection she had decided it best to end the
matter thus.

To one who is despondent, all things seem awry, and Winn was now so low
down in spirits that he was ready to believe himself of no account to
any one--even this simple child of nature whose soul was attuned to her
violin. That Jess was his cordial friend he felt sure; but a timid girl,
utterly lacking in worldly wisdom and as wayward in feelings as the
varying sounds of the waves beating against her island home, was another
matter.

Winn's thoughts now were full of bitterness.

One Sunday, coming out of church ahead of his aunt who had paused to
chat with some one, he encountered in the vestibule, dressed in
faultless fall costume, a picture of beauty and good taste,--Ethel
Sherman!

"Why, Winn," she said, advancing and extending a gloved hand, "I am very
glad to see you back again. I've heard all about you and the fame you
have achieved and how good you have been to your aunt. I must insist
that you call this evening and tell me all about it. I've a bone to pick
with you also, you naughty boy, for not answering my letter."

And Winn, moved as any man would be by such captivating words uttered by
a young goddess in fashionable raiment, forgot all his old-time
resentment for a moment, and answered as any well-bred and susceptible
young man would.

"I am very glad to see you, Ethel," he said cordially, "and it's nice of
you to say such pleasant things. If you haven't any better amusement for
this evening, I will call."

And call he did, to find this imperious beauty arrayed in an exquisite
evening gown, in his honor, fairly exhaling sweet smiles and graceful
words. And with them c