DuringtheirshortvisitMadameAlvareztalkedagreaterpartof，thetimeherself，addressingwhatshesaidtoMissLangham，but，lookingatHope。ItwasunusualforHopetobesingledoutin，thiswaywhenhersisterwaspresent，andboththesisters，noticeditandspokeofitafterwards。TheythoughtMadame，Alvarezverybeautifulanddistinguished-looking，andshe，impressedthem，evenafterthatshortknowledgeofher，asa，womanofgreatforceofcharacter。
``ShewasverywelldressedforaSpanishwoman，’’wasMiss，Langham’scomment，laterintheafternoon。``Buteverythingshe，hadonwasjustayearbehindthefashions，ortwelvesteamer，daysbehind，asMr。MacWilliamsputsit。’’
``Sheremindedme，’’saidHope，``ofablackpantherIsawonce，inacircus。’’
``Dearme！’’exclaimedthesister，``Idon’tseethatatall。
Why？’’
Hopesaidshedidnotknowwhy;shewasnotgiventoanalyzing，herimpressionsorofferingreasonsforthem。``Becausethe，pantherlookedsounhappy，’’sheexplained，doubtfully，``and，restless;andhekeptpacingupanddownallthetime，and，hittinghisheadagainstthebarsashewalkedasthoughheliked，thepain。MadameAlvarezseemedtometobejustlikethat——as，thoughshewereshutupsomewhereandwantedtobefree。’’
WhenMadameAlvarezandthetwosistershadjoinedthemen，they，allwalkedtogethertotheterrace，andthevisitorswaiteduntil，thePresidentandhiswifeshouldtaketheirdeparture。Hope，noticed，inadvanceoftheescortofnativecavalry，anauburn-
haired，fair-skinnedyoungmanwhowassittinganEnglishsaddle。
Theofficer’seyeswereblueandfrankandattractive-looking，evenastheythenwerefixedaheadofhimwithamilitarylackof，expression;buthecametolifeverysuddenlywhenthePresident，calledtohim，andproddedhishorseuptothestepsand，dismounted。HewasintroducedbyAlvarezas``CaptainStuartof，myhouseholdtroops，lateoftheGordonHighlanders。Captain，Stuart，’’saidthePresident，layinghishandaffectionatelyon，theyoungerman’sepaulette，``takescareofmylifeandthe，safetyofmyhomeandfamily。Hecouldhavethecommandofthe，armyifhewished;butno，heisfondofus，andhetellsmewe，areinmoreneedofprotectionfromourfriendsathomethanfrom，ourenemiesonthefrontier。Perhapsheknowsbest。Itrust，him，Mr。Langham，’’addedthePresident，solemnly，``asItrust，noothermaninallthiscountry。’’
``IamverygladtomeetCaptainStuart，Iamsure，’’saidMr。
Langham，smiling，andappreciatinghowtheshynessofthe，EnglishmanmustbesufferingunderthepraisesoftheSpaniard。
AndStuartwasindeedsoembarrassedthatheflushedunderhis，tan，andassuredClay，whileshakinghandswiththemall，thathe，wasdelightedtomakehisacquaintance;atwhichtheothers，laughed，andStuartcametohimselfsufficientlytolaughwith，them，andtoacceptClay’sinvitationtodinewiththemlater。
Theyfoundthetwoboyswaitinginthecafe’oftherestaurant，wheretheyhadarrangedtomeet，andtheyascendedthesteps，togethertothetableonthebalconythatClayhadreservedfor，them。
Theyoungengineerappearedathisbestashost。The，responsibilityofseeingthatahalf-dozenotherswereamusedand，contentsatwelluponhim;andascoursefollowedcourse，and，thewineschanged，andthecandleslefttherestoftheroom，indarknessandshowedonlythetableandthefacesaroundit，theyallbecamerapidlymoremerryandtheconversation，intimatelyfamiliar。
Clayknewthekindoftable-talktowhichtheLanghamswere，accustomed，andusedthematerialaroundhistableinsuchaway，thatthetalktherewasvastlydifferent。FromKinghedrew，forthtalesoftheburiedcitieshehadfirstexplored，andthen，robbedoftheirugliestidols。HeurgedMacWilliamstotell，carefullyeditedstoriesoflifealongtheChagresbeforethe，Scandalcame，andofthefastnessesoftheAndes;andevenStuart，grewbraverandremembered``somethingofthesamesort’’hehad，seenatFortNilt，inUpperBurma。
``Ofcourse，’’wasClay’scommentattheconclusionofoneof，thesenarratives，``beinganEnglishman，Stuartleftoutthe，pointofthestory，whichwasthatheblewinthegatesofthe，fortwithachargeofdynamite。HegotaD。S。O。fordoing，it。’’
``BeinganEnglishman，’’saidHope，smilingencouraginglyonthe，consciousStuart，``henaturallywouldleavethatout。’’
Mr。Langhamandhisdaughtersformedaneageraudience。Theyhad，neverbeforemetatonetablethreemenwhohadknownsuch，experiences，andwhospokeofthemasthoughtheymustbeas，familiarinthelivesoftheothersasintheirown——menwho，spoiledinthetellingstoriesthatwouldhavefurnished，incidentsformelodramas，andwhoimpressedtheirhearersmore，withwhattheyleftunsaid，andwhatwasonlysuggested，than，whatintheirviewwasthemostimportantpoint。
Thedinnercametoanendatlast，andMr。Langhamproposedthat，theyshouldgodownandwalkwiththepeopleintheplaza;but，histwodaughterspreferredtoremainasspectatorsonthe，balcony，andClayandStuartstayedwiththem。
``Atlast！’’sighedClay，underhisbreath，seatinghimselfat，MissLangham’ssideasshesatleaningforwardwithherarmsupon，therailingandlookingdownintotheplazabelow。Shemadeno，signatfirstthatshehadheardhim，butasthevoicesofStuart，andHoperosefromtheotherendofthebalconysheturnedher，headandasked，``Whyatlast？’’
``Oh，youcouldn’tunderstand，’’laughedClay。``Youhavenot，beenlookingforwardtojustonethingandthenhaditcometrue。
Itistheonlythingthateverdidcometruetome，andIthought，itneverwould。’’
``Youdon’ttrytomakemeunderstand，’’saidthegirl，smiling，butwithoutturninghereyesfromthemovingspectacle，belowher。Clayconsideredherchallengesilently。Hedidnot，knowjusthowmuchitmightmeanfromher，andthesmilerobbed，itofallseriousintent;sohe，too，turnedandlookeddowninto，thegreatsquarebelowthem，content，nowthatshewasalonewith，him，totakehistime。
AtoneendoftheplazathePresident’sbandwasplayingnative，waltzesthatcamethrobbingthroughthetreesandbeatingsoftly，abovetherustlingskirtsandclinkingspursofthesenoritas，andofficers，sweepingbyintwooppositecirclesaroundthe，edgesofthetessellatedpavements。Abovethepalmsaroundthe，squarearosethedim，whitefacadeofthecathedral，withthe，bronzestatueofAnduella，theliberatorofOlancho，whoanswered，withhisupraisedarmandcockedhatthecheersofanimaginary，populace。Clay’shadbeenanunobtrusivepartintheevening’s，entertainment，buthesawthattheothershadbeenpleased，and，feltacertainsatisfactioninthinkingthatKinghimselfcould，nothaveplannedandcarriedoutadinnermoreadmirableinevery，way。Hewasgratifiedthattheyshouldknowhimtobenot，altogetherabarbarian。Butwhathebestlikedtorememberwas，thatwheneverhehadspokenshehadlistened，evenwhenhereyes，wereturnedawayandshewaspretendingtolistentosome，oneelse。Hetormentedhimselfbywonderingwhetherthiswas，becauseheinterestedheronlyasanewandstrangecharacter，or，whethershefeltinsomewayhoweagerlyhewasseekingher，approbation。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehefoundhimself，consideringwhathewasabouttosay，andhesuiteditforher，possibleliking。Itwasatleastsomesatisfactionthatshehad，ifonlyforthetimebeing，singledhimoutasofespecial，interest，andheassuredhimselfthatthefaultwouldbehisif，herinterestfailed。Henolongerlookedonhimselfasan，outsider。
Stuart’svoicearosefromthefartherendofthebalcony，where，thewhitefigureofHopeshoweddimlyinthedarkness。
``Theyaretalkingaboutyouoverthere，’’saidMissLangham，turningtowardhim。
``Well，Idon’tmind，’’answeredClay，``aslongastheytalk，aboutme——overthere。’’
MissLanghamshookherhead。``Youareveryfrankand，audacious，’’shereplied，doubtfully，``butitisratherpleasant，asachange。’’
``Idon’tcallthataudacious，tosayIdon’twanttobe，interruptedwhenIamtalkingtoyou。Aren’tthemenyoumeet，generallyaudacious？’’heasked。``Icanseewhynot——though，’’
hecontinued，``youawethem。’’
``Ican’tthinkthat’sanicewaytoaffectpeople，’’protested，MissLangham，afterapause。``Idon’taweyou，doI？’’
``Oh，youaffectmeinmanydifferentways，’’returnedClay，cheerfully。``SometimesIamverymuchafraidofyou，andthen，againmyfeelingsareonlythoseofunlimitedadmiration。’’
``There，again，whatdidItellyou？’’saidMissLangham。
``Well，Ican’thelpdoingthat，’’saidClay。``Thatisoneof，thefewprivilegesthatislefttoamaninmyposition——it，doesn’tmatterwhatIsay。Thatistheadvantageofbeingofno，accountandhopelesslydetrimental。Theeligiblemenofthe，world，yousee，havetobesoverycareful。APrimeMinister，forinstance，can’ttalkashewishes，andcallnamesifhewants，to，orwriteletters，even。Whateverhesaysissoimportant，becausehesaysit，thathemustbeverydiscreet。Iamso，unimportantthatnoonemindswhatIsay，andsoIsayit。It’s，theonlycomfortIhave。’’
``Areyouinthehabitofgoingaroundtheworldsayingwhatever，youchoosetoeverywomanyouhappento——to——’’MissLangham，hesitated。
``Toadmireverymuch，’’suggestedClay。
``Tomeet，’’correctedMissLangham。``Because，ifyouare，it，isaverydangerousandselfishpractice，andIthinkyour，theoryofnon-responsibilityisaverywickedone。’’
``Well，Iwouldn’tsayittoachild，’’musedClay，``buttoone，whomusthavehearditbefore——’’
``Andwho，youthink，wouldliketohearitagain，perhaps，’’
interruptedMissLangham。
``No，notatall，’’saidClay。``Idon’tsayittogiveher，pleasure，butbecauseitgivesmepleasuretosaywhatIthink。’’
``Ifwearetocontinuegoodfriends，Mr。Clay，’’saidMiss，Langham，indecisivetones，``wemustkeepourrelationshipon，moreofasocialandlessofapersonalbasis。Itwasallvery，wellthatfirstnightImetyou，’’shewenton，inakindlytone。
``Yourushedinthenandbyasortoftourdeforcemademe，thinkagreatdealaboutmyselfandalsoaboutyou。Yourstories，ofcherishedphotographsanddistantdevotionandallthatwere，veryinteresting;butnowwearetobetogetheragreatdeal，and，ifwearetotalkaboutourselvesallthetime，Iforoneshall，growverytiredofit。Asamatteroffactyoudon’tknowwhat，yourfeelingsareconcerningme，anduntilyoudowewilltalk，lessaboutthemandmoreaboutthethingsyouarecertainof。
Whenareyougoingtotakeustothemines，forinstance，andwho，wasAnduella，theLiberatorofOlancho，onthatpedestal，overthere？，Now，isn’tthatmuchmoreinstructive？’’
Claysmiledgrimlyandmadenoanswer，butsatwithknittedbrows，lookingoutacrossthetreesoftheplaza。Hisfacewasso，seriousandhewasapparentlygivingsuchearnestconsideration，towhatshehadsaidthatMissLanghamfeltanuneasysenseof，remorse。And，moreover，theyoungman’sprofile，ashesat，lookingawayfromher，wasveryfine，andtheheadonhisbroad，shoulderswasaswell-modelledastheheadofanAthenianstatue。
MissLanghamwasnotinsensibletobeautyofanysort，andshe，regardedtheprofilewithperplexityandwithasofteningspirit。
``Youunderstand，’’shesaid，gently，beingquitecertainthat，shedidnotunderstandthisneworderofyoungmanherself。
``Youarenotoffendedwithme？’’sheasked。
Clayturnedandfrowned，andthensmiledinapuzzledwayand，stretchedouthishandtowardtheequestrianstatueintheplaza。
``AndullaorAnduella，theTreaty-Maker，astheycallhim，was，bornin1700，’’hesaid;``hewasamostpicturesquesortofa，chap，andfreedthiscountryfromtheyokeofSpain。Oneofthe，storiestheytellofhimgivesyouagoodideaofhis，character。’’，Andso，withoutanychangeofexpressionor，referencetowhathadjustpassedbetweenthem，Clay，continuedthroughtheremainderoftheirstayonthebalconyto，discourseinhumorous，graphicphrasesonthehistoryofOlancho，itsheroes，anditsrevolutions，thebuccaneersandpiratesof，theolddays，andtheconcession-huntersandfilibustersofthe，present。ItwassometimebeforeMissLanghamwasabletogive，himherfullattention，forshewasconsideringwhetherhecould，besofoolishastohavetakenoffenceatwhatshesaid，and，whetherhewouldspeakofitagain，andinwonderingwhethera，personalbasisforconversationwasnot，afterall，more，entertainingthananecdotesofthevictoriesandheroismofdead，andburiedSpaniards。
``ThatCaptainStuart，’’saidHopetohersister，astheydrove，hometogetherthroughthemoonlight，``Ilikehimverymuch。He，seemstohavesuchasimpleideaofwhatisrightandgood。It，islikeachildtalking。Why，Iamreallymucholderthanheis，ineverythingbutyears——whyisthat？’’
``Isupposeit’sbecausewealwaystalkbeforeyouasthoughyou，wereagrown-upperson，’’saidhersister。``ButIagreewith，youaboutCaptainStuart;only，whyishedownhere？，Ifheisa，gentleman，whyishenotinhisownarmy？，Washeforcedtoleave，it？’’
``Oh，heseemstohaveaverygoodpositionhere，’’saidMr。
Langham。``InEngland，athisage，hewouldbeonlyasecond-
lieutenant。Don’tyourememberwhatthePresidentsaid，thathe，wouldtrusthimwiththecommandofhisarmy？，That’scertainlya，responsibleposition，anditshowsgreatconfidenceinhim。’’
``Notsogreat，itseemstome，’’saidKing，carelessly，``ashe，isshowinghiminmakinghimtheguardianofhishearthandhome。
Didyouhearwhathesaidto-day？，`Heguardsmyhomeandmy，family。’，Idon’tthinkaman’shomeandfamilyareamongthe，thingshecanaffordtoleavetotheprotectionofstrayEnglish，subalterns。FromallIhear，itwouldbebetterifPresident，Alvarezdidlessplottingandprotectedhisownhousehimself。’’
``Theyoungmandidnotstrikemeasthesortofperson，’’said，Mr。Langham，warmly，``whowouldbelikelytobreakhiswordto，themanwhoisfeedinghimandshelteringhim，andwhoseuniform，hewears。Idon’tthinkthePresident’shomeisinanydanger，fromwithin。MadameAlvarez——’’
Clayturnedsuddenlyinhisplaceonthebox-seatofthe，carriage，wherehehadbeensitting，asilent，mistystatuein，themoonlight，andpeereddownonthoseinthecarriagebelow，him。
``MadameAlvarezneedsnoprotection，asyouwereaboutto，say，Mr。Langham，’’heinterrupted，quickly。``Thosewhoknow，hercouldsaynothingagainsther，andthosewhodonotknowher，wouldnotsofarforgetthemselvesastodaretodoit。Haveyou，noticedtheeffectofthemoonlightonthewallsofthe，convent？’’hecontinued，gently。``Itmakesthemquitewhite。’’
``No，’’exclaimedMr。LanghamandKing，hurriedly，astheyboth，turnedandgazedwithabsorbinginterestattheconventonthe，hillsabovethem。
BeforethesisterswenttosleepthatnightHopecametothedoor，ofhersister’sroomandwatchedAliceadmiringlyasshesat，beforethemirrorbrushingoutherhair。
``Ithinkit’sgoingtobefinedownhere;don’tyou，Alice？’’
sheasked。``Everythingissodifferentfromwhatitisathome，andsobeautiful，andIlikethemenwe’vemet。Isn’tthatMr。
MacWilliamsfunny——andheissotough。AndCaptainStuart——itis，apityhe’sshy。Theonlythingheseemstobeabletotalk，aboutisMr。Clay。HeworshipsMr。Clay！’’
``Yes，’’assentedhersister，``Inoticedonthebalconythatyou，seemedtohavefoundsomewaytomakehimspeak。’’
``Well，thatwasit。HelikestotalkaboutMr。Clay，andI
wantedtolisten。Oh！heisafineman。Hehasdonemore，excitingthings——’’
``Who？，CaptainStuart？’’
``No——Mr。Clay。He’sbeeninthreerealwarsandaboutadozen，littleones，andhe’sbuiltthousandsofmilesofrailroads，I
don’tknowhowmanythousands，butCaptainStuartknows;andhe，builtthehighestbridgeinPeru。Itswingsintheairacrossa，chasm，anditrockswhenthewindblows。AndtheGermanEmperor，madehimaBaron。’’
``Why？’’
``Idon’tknow。Icouldn’tunderstand。Itwassomethingabout，plansforfortifications。He，Mr。Clay，putupafortinthe，harborofRioJaneiroduringarevolution，andtheofficersona，Germanman-of-warsawitandcopiedtheplans，andtheGermans，builtonejustlikeit，onlylarger，ontheBaltic，andwhenthe，Emperorfoundoutwhosedesignitwas，hesentMr。Claytheorder，ofsomething-or-other，andmadehimaBaron。’’
``Really，’’exclaimedtheeldersister，``isn’theafraidthat，someonewillmarryhimforhistitle？’’
``Oh，well，youcanlaugh，butIthinkit’sprettyfine，andso，doesTed，’’addedHope，withtheairofonewhopropoundsafinal，argument。
``Oh，Ibegyourpardon，’’laughedAlice。``IfTedapproveswe，mustallgodownandworship。’’
``Andfather，too，’’continuedHope。``HesaidhethoughtMr。
Claywasoneofthemostremarkablemenforhisyearsthathehad，evermet。’’
MissLangham’seyeswerehiddenbythemassesofherblackhair，thatshehadshakenoverherface，andshesaidnothing。
``AndIlikedthewayheshutReggieKinguptoo，’’continued，Hope，stoutly，``whenheandfatherweretalkingthatwayabout，MadameAlvarez。’’
``Yes，uponmyword，’’exclaimedhersister，impatientlytossing，herhairbackoverhershoulders。``Ireallycannotseethat，MadameAlvarezisinneedofanychampion。IthoughtMr。Clay，madeitverymuchworsebyrushinginthewayhedid。Whyshould，hetakeituponhimselftocorrectamanasoldasmyfather？’’
``IsupposebecauseMadameAlvarezisafriendofhis，’’Hope，answered。
``Mydearchild，abeautifulwomancanalwaysfindsomemanto，takeherpart，’’saidMissLangham。``ButI’venodoubt，’’she，added，risingandkissinghersistergood-night，``thatheisall，thatyourCaptainStuartthinkshim;butheisnotgoingtokeep，usawakeanylonger，ishe，evenifhedoesshowsuchgallant，interestinoldladies？’’
``Oldladies！’’exclaimedHopeinamazement。
``Why，Alice！’’
Buthersisteronlylaughedandwavedheroutoftheroom，and，Hopewalkedawayfrowninginmuchperplexity。
V
Thevisittothecitywasimitatedonthethreesucceeding，eveningsbysimilarexcursions。Ononenighttheyreturnedto，theplaza，andtheothertwowerespentindriftingdownthe，harborandalongthecoastonKing’syacht。ThePresidentand，MadameAlvarezwereKing’sguestsononeofthesemoonlight，excursions，andweresalutedbythepropernumberofguns，and，theirnativebandplayedontheforwarddeck。Clayfeltthat，Kingheldthecentreofthestageforthetimebeing，and，obliteratedhimselfcompletely。Hethoughtofhisownpaddle-
wheeltug-boatthathehadhadpaintedandgildedinherhonor，andsmiledgrimly。
MacWilliamsapproachedhimashesatleaningbackontherailand，lookingup，withtheeyeofamanwhohadservedbeforethemast，atthelaceworkofsparsandriggingabovehim。MacWilliamscame，towardhimontiptoeanddroppedcarefullyintoawickerchair。
``Theredon’tseemtobeanydoor-matsonthisboat，’’hesaid。
``Ineveryotherrespectsheseemsfittedoutquite，complete;allthelatestmagazinesandenamelledbathtubs，andChinesewaiter-boyswithcock-tailsuptheirsleeves。But，thereoughttobeamatatthetopofeachofthosestairways，thathangovertheside，otherwisesomeoneissuretosoilthe，deck。Haveyoubeendownintheengine-roomyet？’’heasked。
``Well，don’tgo，then，’’headvised，solemnly。``Itwillonly，makeyoufeelbadly。IhaveaskedtheAdmiralifIcansend，thosehalf-breedenginedriversoverto-morrowtoshowthemwhat，acleanengine-roomlookslike。I’vejustbeentalkingtothe，chief。Hisname’sMacKenzie，andItoldhimIwasScotchmyself，andhesaidit`wasagreetpleesure’tofindagentlemansowell，acquaintedwiththemovementsofmachinery。HethoughtIwasone，ofKing’sfriends，Iguess，soIdidn’ttellhimIpulledalever，foralivingmyself。Igavehimacigarthough，andhesaid，`Thankee，sir，’andtouchedhiscaptome。’’
MacWilliamschuckledattherecollection，andcrossedhislegs，comfortably。``OneofKing’scigars，too，’’hesaid。``Real，Havana;heleavesthemlyingaroundlooseinthecabin。Haveyou，hadone？，TedLanghamandItookaboutaboxbetweenus。’’
Claymadenoanswer，andMacWilliamssettledhimselfcontentedly，inthegreatwickerchairandpuffedgrandlyonahugecigar。
``It’sdemoralizing，isn’tit？’’hesaidatlast。
``What？’’askedClay，absently。
``Oh，thisassociatingwithwhitepeopleagain，aswe’redoing，now。Itspoilsyoufortortillasandrice，doesn’tit？，It’s，goingtobegreatfunwhileitlasts，butwhenthey’veallgone，andTed’sgone，too，andtheyacht’svanished，andwefallback，totrampingaroundtheplazatwiceaweek，itwon’tbegay，will，it？，No;itwon’tbegay。We’rehavingthespreeofourlives，now，Iguess，butthere’sgoingtobeadifferenceinthe，morning。’’
``Oh，it’sworthaheadache，Ithink，’’saidClay，asheshrugged，hisshouldersandwalkedawaytofindMissLangham。
Thedaysetforthevisittotheminesrosebrightandclear。
MacWilliamshadriggedouthissinglepassenger-carwithrugsand，cushions，andflagsflewfromitscanvastopthatflappedand，billowedinthewindoftheslow-movingtrain。Their，observation-car，asMacWilliamstermedit，wasplacedinfrontof，thelocomotive，andtheywerepushedgentlyalongthenarrow，railsbetweenforestsofManacapalms，andthroughswampsand，jungles，andattimesoverthelimestoneformationalongthe，coast，wherethewavesdashedashighasthesmokestackofthe，locomotive，coveringtheexcursionistswithasprinklingofwhite，spray。Thousandsofland-crabs，paintedredandblackand，yellow，scrambledwitharattlelikedeadmen’sbonesacrossthe，railstobecrushedbythehundredsunderthewheelsofthe，Juggernaut;greatlizardsranfromsunnyrocksatthesoundof，theirapproach，andadeerboundedacrossthetracksfiftyfeet，infrontofthecow-catcher。MacWilliamsescortedHopeoutinto，thecabofthelocomotive，andtaughtherhowtoincreaseand，slackenthespeedoftheengine，untilsheshowedanunruly，desiretothrowtheleveropenaltogetherandshootthemoffthe，railsintotheoceanbeyond。
ClaysatatthebackofthecarwithMissLangham，andtoldher，andherfatherofthedifficultieswithwhichyoungMacWilliams，hadhadtocontend。MissLanghamfoundherchiefpleasurein，notingtheattentionwhichherfathergavetoallthatClayhad，totellhim。Knowingherfatherasshedid，andbeingfamiliar，withhismannertowardothermen，sheknewthathewastreating，Claywithunusualconsideration。Andthispleasedhergreatly，foritjustifiedherowninterestinhim。SheregardedClayasa，discoveryofherown，butshewasgladtohaveheropinionofhim，sharedbyothers。
Theircomingwasagreateventinthehistoryofthemines。
Kirkland，theforeman，andChapman，whohandledthe，dynamite，Weimer，theConsul，andthenativedoctor，whocared，forthefever-strickenandthecasualties，wereallatthe，stationtomeettheminthewhitestofwhiteduckandwitha，bunchofponiestocarrythemontheirtourofinspection，and，thevillageofmudDcabinsandzinc-hutsthatstoodclearofthe，baresunbakedearthonwhitewashedwoodenpileswasascleanas，Clay’shundredpolicemencouldsweepit。Mr。Langhamrodein，advanceofthecavalcade，andtheheadofeachofthedifferent，departmentstookhisturninridingathisside，andexplained，whathadbeendone，andshowedhimtheproudresult。Thevillage，wasempty，exceptforthefamiliesofthenativeworkmenandthe，ownerlessdogs，thescavengersofthecolony，thatsnarledand，barkedandranleapinginfrontoftheponies’heads。
Risingabruptlyabovethezincvillage，laythefirstofthefive，greathills，withitsopenfrontcutintogreatterraces，on，whichthemenclunglikefliesonthesideofawall，someof，themingroupsaroundanopening，orincouplespoundingasteel，barthatafellow-workmanturnedinhisbarehands，whileothers，gatheredaboutthepantingsteam-drillsthatshookthesolidrock，withfierce，shortblows，andhidthemenaboutthemina，throbbingcurtainofsteam。Self-importantlittledummy-
engines，dragginglongtrainsofore-cars，rolledandrockedon，theunevensurfaceoftheground，andswungaroundcornerswith，warningscreechesoftheirwhistles。Theycouldsee，onpeaks，outlinedagainstthesky，thesignal-menwavingtheirredflags，andthenplungingdownthemountain-sideoutofdanger，asthe，earthrumbledandshookandvomitedoutashowerofstonesand，rubbishintothecalmhotair。Itwasaspectacleofdesperate，activityandpuzzlingtotheuninitiated，foritseemedtobe，scatteredoveranunlimitedextent，withnoheadnordirection，andwitheachman，oreachgroupofmen，workingalone，likerag-
pickersonaheapofashes。
Afterthefirsthalf-hourofcuriousinterestMissLangham，admittedtoherselfthatshewasdisappointed。Sheconfessedshe，hadhopedthatClaywouldexplainthemeaningoftheminesto，her，andactasherescortoverthemountainswhichhewas，blowingintopieces。
ButitwasKing，somewhatboredbytheceaselessnoiseandheat，andherbrother，incoherentlyenthusiastic，whorodeatherside，whileClaymovedoninadvanceandseemedtohaveforgottenher，existence。Shewatchedhimpointingupattheopeningsinthe，mountainsanddownattheore-road，orstoopingtopickupa，pieceoforefromthegroundincowboyfashion，without，leavinghissaddle，andpoundingitonthepommelbeforehe，passedittotheothers。And，again，hewouldstandforminutes，atatimeuptohisboot-topsintheslidingwaste，withhis，bridlereinoverhisarmandhisthumbsinhisbelt，listeningto，whathislieutenantsweresaying，andglancingquicklyfromthem，toMr。Langhamtoseeifhewerefollowingthetechnicalitiesof，theirspeech。Allofthemenwhohadwelcomedtheappearanceof，thewomenontheirarrivalwithsuchobviousdelightandwithso，muchembarrassmentseemednowasobliviousoftheirpresenceas，Clayhimself。
MissLanghampushedherhorseupintothegroupbesideHope，who，hadkeptherponycloseatClay’ssidefromthebeginning;but，shecouldnotmakeoutwhatitwastheyweresaying，andnoone，seemedtothinkitnecessarytoexplain。ShecaughtClay’seye，atlastandsmiledbrightlyathim;but，afterstaringatherfor，fullyaminute，untilKirklandhadfinishedspeaking，sheheard，himsay，``Yes，that’sitexactly;inopen-faceworkingsthereis，nootherway，’’andsoshowedherthathehadnotbeeneven，consciousofherpresence。Butafewminuteslatershesawhim，lookupatHope，foldinghisarmsacrosshischesttightlyand，shakinghishead。``Youseeitwastheonlythingtodo，’’she，heardhimsay，asthoughheweredefendingsomecourseof，action，andasthoughHopewereoneofthosewhomustbe，convinced。``Ifwehadcuttheopeningonthefirstlevel，there，wasthedangerofthewholethingsinkingin，sowehadtobegin，toclearawayatthetopandworkdown。That’swhyIorderedthe，bucket-trolley。Asitturnedout，wesavedmoneybyit。’’
Hopenoddedherheadslightly。``That’swhatItoldfatherwhen，Tedwroteusaboutit，’’shesaid;``butyouhaven’tdoneitat，MountWashington。’’
``Oh，butit’slikethis，Miss——’’Kirklandreplied，eagerly。
``It’sbecauseWashingtonisasoliderfoundation。Wecancut，openingsalloveritandtheywon’tcave，butthishillismost，allrubbish;it’sthepooreststuffinthemines。’’
Hopenoddedherheadagainandcrowdedherponyonafterthe，movinggroup，buthersisterandKingdidnotfollow。King，lookedatherandsmiled。``Hopeisveryenthusiastic，’’he，said。``Wheredidshepickitup？’’
``Oh，sheandfatherusedtogooveritinhisstudylastwinter，afterTedcamedownhere，’’MissLanghamanswered，withatouch，ofimpatienceinhertone。``Isn’ttheresomeplacewherewecan，gotogetoutofthisheat？’’
Weimer，theConsul，heardherandledherbacktoKirkland’s，bungalow，thathunglikeaneagle’snestfromaprojectingcliff。
Fromitsporchtheycouldlookdownthevalleyoverthegreater，partofthemines，andbeyondtowheretheCaribbeanSealay，flashingintheheat。
``IsawveryfewAmericansdownthere，Weimer，’’saidKing。``I
thoughtClayhadimportedalotofthem。’’
``Aboutthreehundredaltogether，wildIrishmenandnegroes，’’
saidtheConsul;``butweusethenativesoldierschiefly。They，canstandtheclimatebetter，and，besides，’’headded，``they，actasareserveincaseoftrouble。TheyareMendoza’smen，and，Clayistryingtowinthemawayfromhim。’’
``Idon’tunderstand，’’saidKing。
WeimerlookedaroundhimandwaiteduntilKirkland’sservanthad，depositedatrayfullofbottlesandglassesonatablenear，them，andhaddeparted。``Thetalkis，’’hesaid，``thatAlvarez，meanstoproclaimadictatorshipinhisownfavorbeforethe，springelections。You’veheardofthat，haven’tyou？’’King，shookhishead。
``Oh，tellusaboutit，’’saidMissLangham;``Ishouldsolike，tobeinplotsandconspiracies。’’
``Well，they’rerathercommondownhere，’’continuedtheConsul，``butthisoneoughttointerestyouespecially，MissLangham，becauseitisawomanwhoisattheheadofit。Madame，Alvarez，youknow，wastheCountessManueletaHernandezbefore，hermarriage。Shebelongstooneoftheoldestfamiliesin，Spain。AlvarezmarriedherinMadrid，whenhewasMinister，there，andwhenhereturnedtorunforPresident，shecamewith，him。She’satremendouslyambitiouswoman，andtheydosayshe，wantstoconverttherepublicintoamonarchy，andmakeher，husbandKing，or，moreproperlyspeaking，makeherselfQueen。Of，coursethat’sabsurd，butsheissupposedtobeplottingtoturn，OlanchointoasortofdependencyofSpain，asitwaslongago，andthat’swhysheissounpopular。’’
``Indeed？’’interruptedMissLangham，``Ididnotknowthatshe，wasunpopular。’’
``Oh，rather。Why，herpartyiscalledtheRoyalistParty，already，andonlyaweekbeforeyoucametheLiberalsplastered，thecitywithdenunciatoryplacardsagainsther，callingonthe，peopletodriveheroutofthecountry。’’
``Whatcowards——tofightawoman！’’exclaimedMissLangham。
``Well，shebeganitfirst，yousee，’’saidtheConsul。
``Whoistheleaderofthefightagainsther？’’askedKing。
``GeneralMendoza;heiscommander-in-chiefandhasthe，greaterpartofthearmywithhim，buttheothercandidate，old，GeneralRojas，isthepopularchoiceandthebestofthethree。
HeisVice-Presidentnow，andifthepeoplewereevergivena，fairchancetovoteforthemantheywant，hewould，unquestionablybethenextPresident。Themassofthepeopleare，sickofrevolutions。They’vehadenoughofthem，buttheywill，havetogothroughanotherbeforelong，andifitturnsagainst，Dr。Alvarez，I’mafraidMr。Langhamwillhavehardworktohold，thesemines。Yousee，Mendozahasalreadythreatenedtoseize，thewholeplantandturnitintoaGovernmentmonopoly。’’
``Andiftheotherone，GeneralRojas，getsintopower，willhe，seizethemines，too？’’
``No，heishonest，strangetorelate，’’laughedWeimer，``buthe，won’tgetin。Alvarezwillmakehimselfdictator，orMendoza，willmakehimselfPresident。That’swhyClaytreatsthesoldiers，heresowell。HethinkshemayneedthemagainstMendoza。You，maybeturningyoursaluting-gunonthecityyet，Commodore，’’he，added，smiling，``or，whatismorelikely，you’llneedtheyacht，totakeMissLanghamandtherestofthefamilyoutofthe，country。’’
KingsmiledandMissLanghamregardedWeimerwithflattering，interest。``I’vegotaquickfiringgunbelowdecks，’’said，King，``thatIusedintheMalaysianPeninsulaonajunkfulof，BlackFlags，andIthinkI’llhaveitbroughtup。Andthereare，aboutthirtyofmymenontheyachtwhowouldn’taskfortheir，wagesinayearifI’dletthemgoonshoreandmixupina，fight。Whendoyousupposethis——’’
Aheavystepandthejingleofspursonthebarefloorofthe，bungalowstartledtheconspirators，andtheyturnedandgazed，guiltilyoutatthemountain-topsabovethemasClaycame，hurryingoutupontheporch。
``Theytoldmeyouwerehere，’’hesaid，speakingtoMiss，Langham。``I’msosorryittiredyou。Ishouldhave，remembered——itisaroughtripwhenyou’renotusedtoit，’’he，added，remorsefully。``ButI’mgladWeimerwasheretotakecare，ofyou。’’
``Itwasjustatriflehotandnoisy，’’saidMissLangham，smilingsweetly。Sheputherhandtoherforeheadwithan，expressionofpatientsuffering。``Itmademyheadachea，little，butitwasmostinteresting。’’，Sheadded，``Youare，certainlytobecongratulatedonyourwork。’’
Clayglancedatherdoubtfullywithatroubledlook，andturned，awayhiseyestothebusyscenebelowhim。Hewasgreatlyhurt，thatsheshouldhavecaredsolittle，andindignantathimself，forbeingsounjust。Whyshouldheexpectawomantofind，interestinthathiveofnoiseandsweatingenergy？，Butevenas，hestoodarguingwithhimselfhiseyesfellonaslightfigure，sittingerectandgracefulonherpony’sback，herwhitehabit，soiledandstainedredwiththeoreofthemines，andgreenwhere，ithadcrushedagainsttheleaves。Shewascomingslowlyupthe，trailwithabody-guardofhalfadozenmencrowdingclosely，aroundher，tellingherthedifficultiesofthework，and，explainingtheirsuccesses，andeagerforashareofherquick，sympathy。
Clay’seyesfixedthemselvesonthepicture，andhesmiledatits，significance。MissLanghamnoticedthelook，andglancedbelow，toseewhatitwasthathadsointerestedhim，andthenbackat，himagain。Hewasstillwatchingtheapproachingcavalcade，intently，andsmilingtohimself。MissLanghamdrewinher，breathandraisedherheadandshouldersquickly，likeadeer，thathearsafootstepintheforest，andwhenHopepresently，steppedoutupontheporch，sheturnedquicklytowardher，and，regardedhersteadily，asthoughshewereastrangertoher，and，asthoughsheweretryingtoseeherwiththeeyesofonewho，lookedatherforthefirsttime。
``Hope！’’shesaid，``dolookatyourdress！’’
Hope’sfacewasglowingwiththeunusualexercise，andher，eyeswerebrilliant。Herhairhadslippeddownbeneaththevisor，ofherhelmet。
``Iamsotired——andsohungry。’’，Shewaslaughingandlooking，directlyatClay。``Ithasbeenawonderfulthingtohave，seen，’’shesaid，tuggingatherheavygauntlet，``andtohave，done，’’sheadded。Shepulledoffhergloveandheldouther，handtoClay，moistandscarredwiththepressureofthereins。
``Thankyou，’’shesaid，simply。
Themasteroftheminestookitwithaquickrushofgratitude，andlookingintothegirl’seyes，sawsomethingtherethat，startledhim，sothatheglancedquicklypastheratthecircle，ofbootedmengroupedinthedoorbehindher。Theywereeach，smilinginappreciationofthetableau;herfatherandTed，MacWilliamsandKirkland，andalltheotherswhohadhelpedhim。
Theyseemedtoenvy，butnottogrudge，thewholecreditwhich，thegirlhadgiventohim。
Claythought，``Whycoulditnothavebeentheother？’’，Buthe，saidaloud，``ThankYOU。Youhavegivenmemyreward。’’
MissLanghamlookeddownimpatientlyintothevalleybelow，and，foundthatitseemedmorehotandnoisy，andmoregrimythan，before。
VI
ClaybelievedthatAliceLangham’svisittothemineshadopened，hiseyesfullytovastdifferencesbetweenthem。Helaughedand，railedathimselfforhavingdaredtoimaginethathewasina，positiontocareforher。Confidentashewasattimes，andsure，ashewasofhisabilityincertaindirections，hewasuneasyand，fearfulwhenhematchedhimselfagainstamanofgentlebirthand，gentlebreeding，andonewho，likeKing，waspartofaworldof，whichheknewlittle，andtowhich，inhisignoranceconcerning，it，heattributedmanyadvantagesthatitdidnotpossess。He，believedthathewouldalwayslackthemysterioussomethingwhich，theseothersheldbyrightofinheritance。Hewasstillyoung，andfulloftheillusionsofyouth，andsogavefalsevaluesto，hisownqualities，andvaluesequallyfalsetothequalitieshe，lacked。ForthenextweekheavoidedMissLangham，unlessthere，wereotherpeoplepresent，andwheneversheshowedhimspecial，favor，hehastilyrecalledtohismindherfailuretosympathize，inhiswork，andassuredhimselfthatifshecouldnotinterest，herselfintheengineer，hedidnotcaretohaveher，interestedintheman。Otherwomenhadfoundhimattractivein，himself;theyhadcaredforhisstrengthofwillandmind，and，becausehewasgoodtolookat。Buthedeterminedthatthisone，mustsympathizewithhisworkintheworld，nomatterhow，unpicturesqueitmightseemtoher。Hisworkwasthebestof，him，heassuredhimself，andhewouldstandorfallwithit。
ItwasaweekafterthevisittotheminesthatPresidentAlvarez，gaveagreatballinhonoroftheLanghams，towhichallofthe，importantpeopleofOlancho，andtheForeignMinisterswere，invited。MissLanghammetClayontheafternoonofthedayset，fortheball，asshewasgoingdownthehilltojoinHopeandher，fatheratdinnerontheyacht。
``Areyounotcoming，too？’’sheasked。
``IwishIcould，’’Clayanswered。``Kingaskedme，buta，steamer-loadofnewmachineryarrivedto-day，andIhavetosee，itthroughtheCustom-House。’’
MissLanghamgaveanimpatientlittlelaugh，andshookherhead。
``Youmightwaituntilweweregonebeforeyoubotherwithyour，machinery，’’shesaid。
``WhenyouaregoneIwon’tbeinastateofmindtoattendto，machineryoranythingelse，’’Clayanswered。
MissLanghamseemedsofarencouragedbythisspeechthatshe，seatedherselfintheboathouseattheendofthewharf。She，pushedhermantillabackfromherfaceandlookedupathim，smilingbrightly。
```Thetimehascome，thewalrussaid，’’’shequoted，```to，talkofmanythings。’’’
Claylaughedanddroppeddownbesideher。``Well？’’hesaid。
``Youhavebeenratherunkindtomethislastweek，’’thegirl，began，withhereyesfixedsteadilyonhis。``Andthatdayat，themineswhenIcountedonyouso，youactedabominably。’’
Clay’sfaceshowedsoplainlyhissurpriseatthischarge，which，hethoughtheonlyhadtherighttomake，thatMissLangham，stopped。
``Idon’tunderstand，’’saidClay，quietly。``HowdidItreat，youabominably？’’
HehadtakenhersoseriouslythatMissLanghamdroppedher，lightertoneandspokeinonemorekindly：
``Iwentouttheretoseeyourworkatitsbest。Iwasonly，interestedingoingbecauseitwasyourwork，andbecauseitwas，youwhohaddoneitall，andIexpectedthatyouwouldtryto，explainittomeandhelpmetounderstand，butyoudidn’t。You，treatedmeasthoughIhadnointerestinthematteratall，as，thoughIwasnotcapableofunderstandingit。Youdidnot，seemtocarewhetherIwasinterestedornot。Infact，you，forgotmealtogether。’’
Clayexhibitednoevidenceofareprovingconscience。``Iam，sorryyouhadastupidtime，’’hesaid，gravely。
``Ididnotmeanthat，andyouknowIdidn’tmeanthat，’’the，girlanswered。``Iwantedtohearaboutitfromyou，becauseyou，didit。Iwasn’tinterestedsomuchinwhathadbeendone，asI
wasinthemanwhohadaccomplishedit。’’
Clayshruggedhisshouldersimpatiently，andlookedacrossat，MissLanghamwithatroubledsmile。
``Butthat’sjustwhatIdon’twant，’’hesaid。``Can’tyousee？
TheseminesandothermineslikethemareallIhaveinthe，world。Theyaremyonlyexcuseforhavinglivedinitsolong。
IwanttofeelthatI’vedonesomethingoutsideofmyself，and，whenyousaythatyoulikemepersonally，it’saslittle，satisfactiontomeasitmustbetoawomantobecongratulated，onherbeauty，oronherfinevoice。Thatisnothingshehas，doneherself。IshouldlikeyoutovaluewhatIhavedone，not，whatIhappentobe。’’
MissLanghamturnedhereyestotheharbor，anditwassomeshort，timebeforesheanswered。
``Youareaverydifficultpersontoplease，’’shesaid，``andmostexacting。Asarulemenaresatisfiedtobelikedfor，anyreason。Iconfessfrankly，sinceyouinsistuponit，thatI
donotrisetothepointofappreciatingyourworkastheothers，do。Isupposeitisafault，’’shecontinued，withanairthat，plainlysaidthatsheconsideredit，onthecontrary，something，ofavirtue。``AndifIknewmoreaboutittechnically，Imight，seemoreinittoadmire。ButIamlookingfartheronforbetter，thingsfromyou。Thefriendswhohelpusthemostarenotalways，thosewhoconsiderusperfect，arethey？’’sheasked，witha，kindlysmile。Sheraisedhereyestothegreatore-pierthat，stretchedoutacrossthewater，theoneuglyblotinthesceneof，naturalbeautyaboutthem。``Ithinkthatisallverywell，’’
shesaid;``butIcertainlyexpectyoutodomorethanthat。I
havemetmanyremarkablemeninallpartsoftheworld，andI
knowwhatastrongmanis，andyouhaveoneofthestrongest，personalitiesIhaveknown。Butyoucan’tmeanthatyouare，contenttostopwiththis。Youshouldbesomethingbiggerand，morewide-reachingandmorelasting。Indeed，ithurtsmetosee，youwastingyourtimehereovermyfather’sinterests。You，shouldexertthatsameenergyonabroadermap。Youcouldmake，yourselfanythingyouchose。Athomeyouwouldbeyourparty’s，leaderinpolitics，oryoucouldbeagreatgeneral，ora，greatfinancier。IsaythisbecauseIknowtherearebetter，thingsinyou，andbecauseIwantyoutomakethemostofyour，talents。Iamanxioustoseeyouputyourpowerstosomething，worthwhile。’’
MissLangham’svoicecarriedwithitsuchatoneofsincerity，thatshealmostsucceededindeceivingherself。Andyetshe，wouldhavehardlycaredtoexplainjustwhyshehadreproached，themanbeforeherafterthisfashion。Forsheknewthatwhen，shespokeasshehaddone，shewasbeatingabouttofindsome，reasonthatwouldjustifyherinnotcaringforhim，assheknew，shecouldcare——asshewouldnotallowherselftocare。Theman，athersidehadwonherinterestfromthefirst，andlaterhad，occupiedherthoughtssoentirely，thatittroubledherpeaceof，mind。Yetshewouldnotletherfeelingforhimwaxandgrow，stronger，butkeptitdown。Andshewastryingnowtopersuade，herselfthatshedidthisbecausetherewassomethinglackingin，himandnotinher。
Shewasalmostangrywithhimforbeingsomuchtoherandfor，notbeingmoreacceptableinlittlethings，liketheothermen，sheknew。Soshefoundthisfaultwithhiminorderthatshe，mightjustifyherownlackoffeeling。
ButClay，whoonlyheardthewordsandcouldnotgobackof，themtofindthemotive，couldnotknowthis。Hesatperfectly，stillwhenshehadfinishedandlookedsteadilyoutacrossthe，harbor。Hiseyesfellontheuglyore-pier，andhewincedand，utteredashortgrimlaugh。
``That’strue，whatyousay，’’hebegan，``Ihaven’tdonemuch。
Youarequiteright。Only——’’helookedupathercuriouslyand，smiled——``onlyyoushouldnothavebeentheonetotellmeof，it。’’
MissLanghamhadbeensofarcarriedawaybyherownpointof，viewthatshehadnotconsideredClay，andnowthatshesawwhat，mischiefshehaddone，shegaveaquickgaspofregret，and，leanedforwardasthoughtoaddsomeexplanationtowhatshehad，said。ButClaystoppedher。``Imeanbythat，’’hesaid，``that，thegreatpartoftheinspirationIhavehadtodowhatlittleI
havedonecamefromyou。Youwereasortofpromiseofsomething，bettertome。Youweremoreofatypethananindividualwoman，butyourpicture，theoneIcarryinmywatch，meantallthat，partoflifethatIhaveneverknown，thesweetnessandthe，noblenessandgraceofcivilization，——somethingIhopedIwould，somedayhavetimetoenjoy。Soyousee，’’headded，withan，uncertainlaugh，``it’slesspleasanttohearthatIhavefailed，tomakethemostofmyselffromyouthanfromalmostanyone，else。’’
``But，Mr。Clay，’’protestedthegirl，anxiously，``Ithinkyou，havedonewonderfullywell。IonlysaidthatIwantedyoutodo，more。Youaresoyoungandyouhave——’’
Claydidnothearher。Hewasleaningforwardlookingmoodily，outacrossthewater，withhisfoldedarmsclaspedacrosshis，knees。
``Ihavenotmadethemostofmyself，’’herepeated;``thatis，whatyousaid。’’，Hespokethewordsasthoughshehaddelivered，asentence。``Youdon’tthinkwellofwhatIhavedone，ofwhat，Iam。’’
Hedrewinhisbreathandshookhisheadwithahopelesslaugh，andleanedbackagainsttherailingoftheboat-housewiththe，wearinessinhisattitudeofamanwhohasgivenupafteralong，struggle。
``No，’’hesaidwithabitterflippancyinhisvoice，``Idon’t，amounttomuch。But，myGod！’’helaughed，andturninghishead，away，``whenyouthinkwhatIwas！，Thisdoesn’tseemmuchto，you，anditdoesn’tseemmuchtomenowthatIhaveyourpointof，viewonit，butwhenIremember！’’，Claystoppedagainand，pressedhislipstogetherandshookhishead。Hishalf-closed，eyes，thatseemedtobelookingbackintohispast，lightedas，theyfellonKing’swhiteyacht，andheraisedhisarmand，pointedtoitwithawaveofthehand。``WhenIwassixteen，Iwasasailorbeforethemast，’’hesaid，``thesortofsailor，thatKing’screwouttherewouldn’trecognizeinthesame，profession。IwasofsolittleaccountthatI’vebeenknocked，thelengthofthemaindeckattheendofthemate’sfist，and，lefttoliebleedinginthescuppersfordead。Ihadn’tathing，tomynamethenbuttheclothesIwore，andI’vehadtogoaloft，inahurricaneandclingtoaswingingropewithmybaretoesand，pullatawetsheetuntilmyfinger-nailsbrokeandstartedin，theirsockets;andI’vebeenacowboy，withnocompanionsforsix，monthsoftheyearbuteightthousandheadofcattleandmenas，dumbanduntamedasthesteersthemselves。I’vesatinmysaddle，nightafternight，withnothingoverheadbutthestars，andno，soundbutthenoiseofthesteersbreathingintheirsleep。The，womenIknewwereIndiansquaws，andthegirlsofthesailors’
dance-housesandthegambling-hellsofSiouxCityandAbilene，andCallaoandPortSaid。ThatwaswhatIwasandthosewere，mycompanions。``Why！’’helaughed，risingandstridingacross，theboat-housewithhishandslockedbehindhim，``I’vefoughton，themudfloorofaMexicanshack，withanakedknifeinmyhand，formylastdollar。Iwasaslowandasdesperateasthat。And，now——’’Clayliftedhisheadandsmiled。``Now，’’hesaid，inalowervoiceandaddressingMissLanghamwithareturnofhis，usualgravepoliteness，``Iamabletositbesideyouandtalkto，you。Ihaverisentothat。Iamquitecontent。’’
HepausedandlookedatMissLanghamuncertainlyforafew，momentsasthoughindoubtastowhethershewouldunderstandhim，ifhecontinued。
``Andthoughitmeansnothingtoyou，’’hesaid，``andthoughas，yousayIamhereasyourfather’semployee，thereareother，places，perhaps，whereIambetterknown。InEdinburghorBerlin，orParis，ifyouweretoaskthepeopleofmyownprofession，theycouldtellyousomethingofme。IfIwishedit，Icould，dropthisactiveworktomorrowandcontinueasanadviser，asan，expert，butIliketheactivepartbetter。Ilikedoingthings，myself。Idon’tsay，`IamasalariedservantofMr。Langham’s;’
Iputitdifferently。Isay，`Therearefivemountainsofiron。
YouaretotakethemupandtransportthemfromSouthAmericato，NorthAmerica，wheretheywillbeturnedintorailroadsand，ironclads。’，That’smywayoflookingatit。It’sbettertobind，alaureltotheploughthantocallyourselfhardnames。It，makesyourworkeasier——almostnoble。Cannotyouseeitthat，way，too？’’
BeforeMissLanghamcouldanswer，adeprecatorycoughfrom，onesideoftheopenboat-housestartledthem，andturningthey，sawMacWilliamscomingtowardthem。Theyhadbeensointentupon，whatClaywassayingthathehadapproachedthemoverthesoft，sandofthebeachwithouttheirknowingit。MissLangham，welcomedhisarrivalwithevidentpleasure。
``Thelaunchiswaitingforyouattheendofthepier，’’
MacWilliamssaid。MissLanghamroseandthethreewalked，togetherdownthelengthofthewharf，MacWilliamsmovingbriskly，inadvanceinordertoenablethemtocontinuetheconversation，hehadinterrupted，buttheyfollowedclosebehindhim，asthough，neitherofthemweredesirousofsuchanopportunity。
HopeandKinghadbothcomeforMissLangham，andwhilethe，latterwashelpinghertoaplaceonthecushions，andrepeating，hisregretsthatthemenwerenotcomingalso，Hopestartedthe，launch，withabriskringingofbellsandawhirlofthewheel，andasmileoverhershoulderatthefiguresonthewharf。
``Whydidn’tyougo？’’saidClay;``youhavenobusinessatthe，Custom-House。’’
``Neitherhaveyou，’’saidMacWilliams。``ButIguessweboth，understand。There’snogoodpushingyourlucktoofar。’’
``Whatdoyoumeanbythat——thistime？’’
``Why，whathavewetodowithallofthis？’’criedMacWilliams。
``It’swhatIkeeptellingyoueveryday。We’renotinthat，class，andyou’reonlymakingitharderforyourselfwhenthey’ve，gone。Icallitcrueltytoanimalsmyself，havingwomenlike，thataround。UpNorth，whereeverybody’swhite，youdon’tnotice，itsomuch，butdownhere——Lord！’’
``That’sabsurd，’’Clayanswered。``Whyshouldyouturnyour，backoncivilizationwhenitcomestoyou，justbecauseyou’re，notgoingbacktocivilizationbythenextsteamer？，Everyperson，youmeeteitherhelpsyouorhurtsyou。Thosegirlshelpus，eveniftheydomakethelifehereseembareandmean。’’
``Bareandmean！’’repeatedMacWilliamsincredulously。``Ithink，that’sjustwhattheydon’tdo。Ilikeitallthebetterbecause，they’remixedupinit。Inevertooksomuchinterestinyour，minesuntilshetooktoridingoverthem，andIdidn’tthink，greatshakesofmyoldore-road，either，butnowthatshe’sgot，toactingasengineer，it’ssortofnickel-platedthewhole，outfit。I’mgoingtonamethenewengineafterher——whenitgets，here——ifheroldmanwillletme。’’
``Whatdoyoumean？，MissLanghamhasn’tbeentotheminesbut，once，hasshe？’’
``MissLangham！’’exclaimedMacWilliams。``No，Imeantheother，MissHope。ShecomesoutwithTednearlyeverydaynow，and，she’slearninghowtorunalocomotive。Justforfun，you，know，’’headded，reassuringly。
``Ididn’tsupposeshehadanyintentionofjoiningthe，Brotherhood，’’saidClay。``Soshe’sbeenouteveryday，has，she？，Ilikethat，’’hecommented，enthusiastically。``She’sa，fine，sweetgirl。’’
``Fine，sweetgirl！’’growledMacWilliams。``Ishouldhopeso。
She’sthebest。Theydon’tmakethemanybetterthanthat，and，justthink，ifshe’slikethatnow，whatwillshebewhenshe’s，grownup，whenshe’slearnedafewthings？，Nowhersister。You，canseejustwhathersisterwillbeatthirty，andatfifty，and，ateighty。She’sthoroughbredandshe’sthemostbeautifulwoman，tolookatIeversaw——but，myson——sheistoocareful。She，hasn’tanyillusions，andnosenseofhumor。Andawomanwithno，illusionsandnosenseofhumorisgoingtobemonotonous。You，can’tteachheranything。Youcan’timagineyourselftellingher，anythingshedoesn’tknow。Thethingswethinkimportantdon’t，reachheratall。They’renotinherline，andineverything，elsesheknowsmorethanwecouldeverguessat。ButthatMiss，Hope！，It’saprivilegetoshowherabout。Shewantstosee，everything，andlearneverything，andshegoespokingherhead，intoopeningsanddownshaftslikealittlefoxterrier。
Andshe’llsitstillandlistenwithhereyeswideopenandtears，inthem，too，andshedoesn’tknowit——untilyoucan’ttalk，yourselfforjustlookingather。’’
Clayroseandmovedontothehouseinsilence。Hewasgladthat，MacWilliamshadinterruptedhimwhenhedid。Hewonderedwhether，heunderstoodAliceLanghamafterall。Hehadseenmanyfine，ladiesbeforeduringhisbriefvisitstoLondon，andBerlin，and，Vienna，andtheyhadshownhimfavor。Hehadknownotherwomen，notsofine。Spanish-AmericansenoritasthroughCentraland，SouthAmerica，thewivesanddaughtersofEnglishmerchants，exiledalongthePacificcoast，whosefairskinandyellowhair，whitenedandbleachedunderthehottropicalsuns。Hehadknown，manywomen，andhecouldhavequoted，``Trialsandtroublesamany，Haveprovedme;
Oneortwowomen，Godblessthem！
Havelovedme。’’
Butthewomanhewastomarrymusthaveallthethingshelacked。
Shemustfilloutandcompletehimwherehewaswanting。This，womanpossessedallofthesethings。Sheappealedtoevery，ambitionandtoeverytastehecherished，andyetheknewthathe，hadhesitatedandmistrustedher，whenheshouldhave，declaredhimselfeagerlyandvehemently，andforcedhertolisten，withallthestrengthofhiswill。
MissLanghamdroppedamongthesoftcushionsofthelaunchwitha，senseofhavingbeenrescuedfromherselfandofdelightin，findingrefugeagaininherownenvironment。ThesightofKing，standinginthebowbesideHopewithhiscigarettehangingfrom，hislips，andpeeringwithhalf-closedeyesintothefading，light，gaveherasenseofrestfulnessandcontent。Shedidnot，knowwhatshewishedfromthatotherstrangeyoungman。Hewas，sobold，sohandsome，andhelookedatlifeandspokeofitin，suchafresh，unhackneyedspirit。Hemightmakehimselfanything，hepleased。Butherewasamanwhoalreadyhadeverything，or，whocouldgetitaseasilyashecouldincreasethespeedofthe，launch，bypullingsomewirewithhisfinger。
Sherecalledonedaywhentheywereallonboardofthissame，launch，andthemachineryhadbrokendown，andMacWilliamshad，goneforwardtolookatit。HehadcalledClaytohelphim，and，sherememberedhowtheyhadbothgonedownontheirkneesand，askedtheengineerandfiremantopassthemwrenchesandoil-
cans，whileKingprotestedmildly，andtherestsat，helplesslyinthehotglareofthesea，astheboatroseand，fellonthewaves。SheresentedClay’sinterestintheaccident，andhispleasurewhenhehadmadethemachineryrightoncemore，andhisappearanceashecamebacktothemwithoilyhandsand，withhisfaceglowingfromtheheatofthefurnace，wipinghis，grimyfingersonapieceofpacking。Shehadresentedthe，equalitywithwhichhetreatedtheengineerinaskinghisadvice，anditrathersurprisedherthatthecrewsalutedhimwhenhe，steppedintothelaunchagainthatnightasthoughhewerethe，owner。Shehadexpectedthattheywouldpatronizehim，andshe，imaginedafterthisincidentthatshedetectedashadeof，differenceinthemannerofthesailorstowardClay，asthoughhe，hadcheapenedhimselftothem——ashehadtoher。
VII
Atteno’clockthatsameeveningClaybegantopreparehimself，fortheballattheGovernmentpalace，andMacWilliams，whowas，notinvited，watchedhimdresswithcriticalapprovalthatshowed，nosignofenvy。
ThebettertodohonortothePresident，Clayhadbroughtout，severalforeignorders，andMacWilliamshelpedhimtotiearound，hisneckthecollaroftheRedEaglewhichtheGermanEmperorhad，givenhim，andtofastentheribbonandcrossoftheStarof，Olanchoacrosshisbreast，andaSpanishOrderandtheLegionof，Honortothelapelofhiscoat。MacWilliamssurveyedtheeffect，ofthetinyenamelledcrosseswithhisheadononeside，andwith，thesameairofaffectionateprideandconcernthatamother，showsoverherdaughter’sfirstball-dress。
``Gotanymore？’’heasked，anxiously。
``Ihavesomewarmedals，’’Clayanswered，smilingdoubtfully。
``ButI’mnotinuniform。’’
``Oh，that’sallright，’’declaredMacWilliams。``Put’emon，put’emallon。Givethegirlsatreat。Everybodywill，thinktheyweregivenforfeatsofswimming，anyway;butthey，willshowupwellfromthefront。Now，then，youlooklikea，drum-majororaconjuringchap。’’
``Idonot，’’saidClay。``IlooklikeaFrenchAmbassador，and，Ihardlyunderstandhowyoufindcouragetospeaktomeatall。’’
Hewentupthehillinhighspirits，andfoundthecarriageat，thedoorandKing，Mr。Langham，andMissLanghamsittingwaiting，forhim。Theywerereadytodepart，andMissLanghamhadbut，justseatedherselfinthecarriagewhentheyheardhurrying，acrossthetiledflooraquick，lightstepandtherustleof，silk，andturningtheysawHopestandinginthedoorway，radiant，andsmiling。Sheworeawhitefrockthatreachedtotheground，andthatleftherarmsandshouldersbare。Herhairwasdressed，highuponherhead，andshewaspullingvigorouslyatapairof，long，tan-coloredgloves。Thetransformationwassocomplete，andthegirllookedsomucholderandsostatelyandbeautiful，thatthetwoyoungmenstaredatherinsilentadmirationand，astonishment。
``Why，Hope！’’exclaimedhersister。``Whatdoesthismean？’’
Hopestoppedinsomealarm，andclaspedherhairwithbothhands。
``Whatisit？’’sheasked;``isanythingwrong？’’
``Why，mydearchild，’’saidhersister，``you’renotthinkingof，goingwithus，areyou？’’
``Notgoing？’’echoedtheyoungersister，indismay。``Why，Alice，whynot？Iwasasked。’’
``But，Hope——Father，’’saidtheeldersister，steppingoutof，thecarriageandturningtoMr。Langham，``youdidn’tintendthat，Hopeshouldgo，didyou？，She’snotoutyet。’’
``Oh，nonsense，’’saidHope，defiantly。Butshedrewinher，breathquicklyandblushed，asshesawthetwoyoungmenmoving，awayoutofhearingofthisfamilycrisis。Shefeltthatshewas，beingmadetolooklikeaspoiledchild。``Itdoesn’tcountdown，here，’’shesaid，``andIwanttogo。IthoughtyouknewIwas，goingallthetime。Mariemadethisfrockformeonpurpose。’’
``Idon’tthinkHopeisoldenough，’’theeldersistersaid，addressingherfather，``andifshegoestodanceshere，there’s，noreasonwhysheshouldnotgotothoseathome。’’
``ButIdon’twanttogotodancesathome，’’interruptedHope。
Mr。Langhamlookedexceedinglyuncomfortable，andturned，apppealinglytohiselderdaughter。``Whatdoyouthink，Alice？’’hesaid，doubtfully。
``I’msorry，’’MissLanghamreplied，``butIknowitwould，notbeatallproper。Ihatetoseemhorridaboutit，Hope，but，indeedyouaretooyoung，andthemenherearenotthemena，younggirloughttomeet。’’
``Youmeetthem，Alice，’’saidHope，butpullingoffhergloves，intokenofdefeat。
``But，mydearchild，I’mfiftyyearsolderthanyouare。’’
``PerhapsAliceknowsbest，Hope，’’Mr。Langhamsaid。``I’m，sorryifyouaredisappointed。’’
Hopeheldherheadalittlehigher，andturnedtowardthedoor。
``Idon’tmindifyoudon’twishit，father，’’shesaid。``Good-
night。’’，Shemovedaway，butapparentlythoughtbetterofit，andcamebackandstoodsmilingandnoddingtothemasthey，seatedthemselvesinthecarriage。Mr。Langhamleanedforward，andsaid，inatroubledvoice，``Wewilltellyouallaboutitin，themorning。I’mverysorry。Youwon’tbelonely，willyou？
I’llstaywithyouifyouwish。’’
``Nonsense！’’laughedHope。``Why，it’sgiventoyou，father;
don’tbotheraboutme。I’llreadsomethingorotherandgoto，bed。’’
``Good-night，Cinderella，’’Kingcalledouttoher。
``Good-night，PrinceCharming，’’Hopeanswered。
BothClayandKingfeltthatthegirlwouldnotmindmissingthe，ballsomuchasshewouldthefactofhavingbeentreatedlikea，childintheirpresence，sotheyrefrainedfromanyexpressionof，sympathyorregret，butraisedtheirhatsandbowedalittlemore，impressivelythanusualasthecarriagedroveaway。
ThepictureHopemade，asshestooddesertedandforlornonthe，stepsoftheemptyhouseinhernewfinery，struckClayas，unnecessarilypathetic。Hefeltastrongsenseofresentment，againsthersisterandherfather，andthankedheavendevoutly，thathewasoutoftheirclass，andwhenMissLanghamcontinued，toexpresshersorrowthatshehadbeenforcedtoactasshehad，done，heremainedsilent。ItseemedtoClaysuchasimplething，togivechildrenpleasure，andtorememberthattheirwoeswere，alwaysoutofallproportiontothecause。Children，dumb，animals，andblindpeoplewerealwaysgroupedtogetherinhis，mindasobjectsdemandingthemosttenderandconstant，consideration。Sothepleasureoftheeveningwasspoiledfor，himwhileherememberedthehurtanddisappointedlookinHope’s，face，andwhenMissLanghamaskedhimwhyhewassopreoccupied，hetoldherbluntlythathethoughtshehadbeenveryunkindto，Hope，andthatherobjectionswereabsurd。
MissLanghamheldherselfalittlemorestiffly。``Perhapsyou，donotquiteunderstand，Mr。Clay，’’shesaid。``Someofushave，toconformtocertainrulesthatthepeoplewithwhomwebest，liketoassociatehavelaiddownforthemselves。Ifwechooseto，beconventional，itisprobablybecausewefinditmakeslife，easierforthegreaternumber。Youcannotthinkitwasa，pleasanttaskforme。ButIhavegivenupthingsofmuchmore，importancethanadanceforthesakeofappearances，andHope，herselfwillseeto-morrowthatIactedforthebest。’’
Claysaidhetrustedso，butdoubtedit，andbywayofre-
establishinghimselfinMissLangham’sgoodfavor，askedherif，shecouldgivehimthenextdance。ButMissLanghamwasnotto，bepropitiated。
``I’msorry，’’shesaid，``butIbelieveIamengageduntil，supper-time。Comeandaskmethen，andI’llhaveonesavedfor，you。Butthereissomethingyoucando，’’sheadded。``Ileft，myfaninthecarriage——doyouthinkyoucouldmanagetogetit，formewithoutmuchtrouble？’’
``Thecarriagedidnotwait。Ibelieveitwassentback，’’said，Clay，``butIcanborrowahorsefromoneofStuart’smen，and，ridebackandgetitforyou，ifyoulike。’’
``Howabsurd！’’laughedMissLangham，butshelookedpleased，notwithstanding。
``Oh，notatall，’’Clayanswered。Hewassmilingdownatherin，someamusement，andwasapparentlymuchentertainedathisidea。
``Willyouconsideritanactofdevotion？’’heasked。
Therewassolittleofdevotion，andsomuchmoreofmischiefin，hiseyes，thatMissLanghamguessedhewasonlylaughingather，andshookherhead。
``Youwon’tgo，’’shesaid，turningaway。Shefollowedhimwith，hereyes，however，ashecrossedtheroom，hisheadandshoulders，toweringabovethenativemenandwomen。Shehadneverseenhim，soresplendent，andshenoted，withaneyethatconsidered，trifles，theorders，andhiswell-fittingwhitegloves，andhis，mannerofbowingintheContinentalfashion，holdinghisopera-
hatonhisthigh，asthoughhishandrestedonasword。She，noticedthatthelittleOlanchoansstoppedandlookedafterhim，ashepushedhiswayamongthem，andshecouldseethatthemen，weretellingthewomenwhohewas。SirJulianPindar，theold，BritishMinister，stoppedhim，andshewatchedthemasthey，laughedtogetherovertheEnglishwarmedalsontheAmerican’s，breast，whichSirJuliantouchedwithhisfinger。Hecalledthe，FrenchMinisterandhisprettywifetolook，too，andthey，alllaughedandtalkedtogetheringreatspirits，andMiss，LanghamwonderedifClaywasspeakinginFrenchtothem。
MissLanghamdidnotenjoytheball;shefeltinjuredand，aggrieved，andsheassuredherselfthatshehadbeenhardlyused。
Shehadonlydoneherduty，andyetallthesympathyhadgoneto，hersister，whohadplacedherinatryingposition。Shethought，itwasmostinconsiderate。
Hopewalkedslowlyacrosstheverandawhentheothershadgone，andwatchedthecarriageaslongasitremainedinsight。Then，shethrewherselfintoabigarm-chair，andlookeddownuponher，prettyfrockandhernewdancing-slippers。She，too，feltbadly，used。
