to count him out. . . . Dorn's a better man than Davy. But
Dorn's got a foolish streak in him. He believes the foolishness
he talks, instead of simply talking it to gain his end. I've
been looking him over and thinking him over. He won't do,
Jinny.''

Was her father discussing the matter abstractly, impersonally, as
he seemed? Or, had he with that uncanny shrewdness of his
somehow penetrated to her secret--or to a suspicion of it? Jane
was so agitated that she sat silent and rigid, trying to look
unconcerned.

``I had a strong notion to try to do something for him,''
continued the old man. ``But it'd be no use. He'd not rise to a
chance that was offered him. He's set on going his own way.''

Jane trembled--dared. ``I believe _I_ could do something with
him,'' said she--and she was pleased with the coolness of her
voice, the complete absence of agitation or of false note.

``Try if you like,'' said her father. ``But I'm sure you'll find
I'm right. Be careful not to commit yourself in any way. But I
needn't warn you. You know how to take care of yourself. Still,
maybe you don't realize how set up he'd be over being noticed by
a girl in your position. And if you gave him the notion that
there was a chance for him to marry you, he'd be after you hammer
and tongs. The idea of getting hold of so much money'd set him
crazy.''

``I doubt if he cares very much--or at all--about money,'' said