Kilmeny of the Orchard

and would make no difference to me as far as she is concerned.”

A sudden change swept over Janet Gor— don’s face, quite marvellous in the trans- formation it wrought. Her grim mouth softened and a flood of repressed tender- ness glorified her cold gray eyes. .

“ Well, then,” she said almost trium— phantly, “ since neither that nor her dumbness seems to be any drawback in your eyes I don’t see why you should not have the chance you want. Perhaps your world will say she is not good enough for you, but she is—she is ”—this half defi- antly. “ She is a sweet and innocent and true-hearted lassie. She is bright and clever and she is not ill looking. Thomas, I say let the young man have his will.”

Thomas Gordon stood up, as if he con— sidered the responsibility off his shoul- ders and the interview at an end.

“Very well, Janet, woman, since you think it is wise. And may God deal with him as he deals with her. Good evening,

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