"And now," he continued, "there are matters about which I must
consult you. You will be glad to know that things are pleasanter at
home. Since my illness my father and mother have changed toward me.
Sickness, nearness to death, is a great reconciler. Your being in
the house had much to do with this--especially your influence over
my mother. My father was talked to by the doctor from town. During
the days and nights he stayed with me, he got into my trunk of
books, for he is a great reader; and--as he told me before leaving--
a believer in the New Science, an evolutionist. He knew of my
expulsion, of course, and of the reasons. I think he explained a
great deal to my father, who said to me one day simply that the
doctor had talked to him."

"He talked to me, also," said Gabriella. "And did not persuade
you?"

"He said I almost persuaded him!"

"And then, too, my father and I have arranged the money trouble. It
is not the best, but the best possible. When I came home from
college, I brought with me almost half the money I had accumulated.
I turned this over to my father, of course. It will go toward
making necessary repairs. But it was not enough, and the woods has
had to go. The farm shall not be sold, but the woods is rented for
a term of years as hemp land, the trees must be deadened and cut
down. I am sorry; it is the last of the forest of my great-
grandfather. But with the proceeds, the place can be put into
fairly good condition, and this is the greatest relief to my father
and mother--and to me."