not yet satisfied and soon proposed a walk to the lake. Mrs. Bainbridge
was willing but Miss Fenwick had walked enough for one day. A quiet
enjoyment of her lofty outlook was what she now most desired.

"Very well, Fern," said Mrs. Bainbridge, "Mr. Gaylord will accompany me
to the lake and we will bring back for lunch some of those very large,
delicious blueberries, which Mr. Gaylord assures me are growing so
abundantly around the shores of the lake. You and Mr. Flagg shall remain
here with the lunch baskets."

This plan was agreed to, and very soon Mrs. Bainbridge and her escort
had disappeared on their way to the lake. To Fillmore Flagg it seemed a
long time that Fern Fenwick had been sitting so quietly, apparently
absorbed in admiring the billowy miles of landscape unrolled so far to
the southward. In reality, each was thinking of the other.

"Mr. Flagg," said Fern Fenwick slowly, "will you pardon me for asking
you some very abrupt questions, or what may seem such when considering
our brief acquaintance?"

"Certainly," said Fillmore Flagg, "I hope my replies this time may prove
as satisfactory as those I gave in regard to the rock. The pardon you
crave is granted in advance. Pray proceed."

"Tell me, Mr. Flagg, why are you so much interested in that
advertisement which came to me so unceremoniously yesterday? And again,
tell me why you are so moved and determined to better the conditions of
farm life? I suppose you know that I have wealth and leisure at my
disposal; it may prove that I can be of great assistance to you. This is
my excuse for asking you for more details in regard to your personal
plans."

With a heart filled with hope, Fillmore Flagg began the recital of the
story he had given to George Gaylord on the terrace bench. With frequent
glances of encouragement from Fern Fenwick, his inspiration and
eloquence grew upon him. He gave a masterly statement of the work, his
preparation, hopes and plans. Delighted beyond measure with the
undisguised appreciation and approval of this charming woman, whose very
destiny in the vista of a coming future, seemed to him to be linked in
some mysterious manner with the success of his most cherished ambitions,
he cleverly enlarged and perfected the original statement. As he
concluded, Fern Fenwick rose to her feet with hands extended, her face
glowing with interested enthusiasm, saying:

"Mr. Flagg, I most heartily congratulate you on the noble life-work you
have p