Why this was so she did not know, but it was with a confidence that could not be shaken now she felt it was through no fault of his.

His last words, however, showed her that the mask was on again.
"I scarcely fancy you are well enough, but if you must go, I wonder whether you would do a good turn to Alfreton ?" she said.

"The lad has been speculating--and he seems anxious lately." "It is natural that they should all bring their troubles to you." Maud Barrington laughed.

"I, however, generally pass them on to you." A trace of color crept into the man's face, and his voice was a trifle hoarse as he said, "Do you know that I would ask nothing better than to take every care you had, and bear it for you ?" "Still," said the girl, with a little smile, "that is very evidently out of the question." Winston rose, and she saw that one hand was closed as he looked down upon her.

Then he turned and stared out at the prairie, but there was something very significant in the rigidity of his attitude, and his face seemed to have grown suddenly careworn when he glanced back at her.
"Of course," he said quietly.