a proposition to make to you. It is your honest due to have
your farm, yes, ma'am. Well, I know a man would like to buy it;
I'll sell it to him, and pay you your money."

"But that wasn't my proposal."

"I know it, ma'am. I honor you for your kindness; but I can't risk what--
what might be another person's idea of duty about Richards.
Our consciences ain't all equally enlightened, you know."

Miss Brown did not answer a word.

They drove along the streets where the lanterns were fading.
Tim grew uneasy, she was silent so long. On the brow of the hill
she indicated a side street and told them to stop the horse
before a little brown house. One of the windows was a dim
square of red.

"It isn't quite so lonesome coming home to a light,"
said Miss Brown.

As Nelson cramped the wheel to jump out to help her from the vehicle,
the light from the electric arc fell full on his handsome face and showed
her the look of compassion and admiration, there.

"Wait one moment," she said, detaining him with one firm hand.
"I've got something to say to you. Let Richards go for the present;
all I ask of you about him is that you will do nothing until
we can find out if he is so bad off. But, Mr. Forrest, I can
do better for you about that mortgage. Mr. Lossing will take