the sincerity of her convictions regarding the importance of
family, inasmuch as in marrying Ferris she had married her own
second cousin. She nestled her chin a little closer in her
palms. She remembered that they had differed seriously over Mr.
Yancy's defiance, of the law as it was supposed to be lodged in
the sacred person of Mr. Bladen's agent, the unfortunate Blount.
Carrington, with his back against a stanchion, watched her
discontentedly.

"You'll be mighty glad to have this over with, Miss Malroy--" he
said at length, with a comprehensive sweep toward the river.

"Yes--shan't you?" and she opened her eyes questioningly.

"No," said Carrington with a short laugh, drawing a chair near
hers and sitting down.

Betty, in surprise, gave him a quick look, and then as quickly
glanced away from what she encountered in his eyes. Men were
accustomed to talk sentiment to her, but she had hoped--well, she
really had thought that he was, superior to this weakness. She
had enjoyed the feeling that here was some one, big and strong
and thoroughly masculine, with whom she could be friendly
without--she took another look at him from under the fringe of
her long lashes. He was so nice and considerate--and good
looking--he was undeniably this last. It would be a pity! And
she had already determined that Tom should invite him to Belle
Plain. She didn't mind if he was a river-man--they could be
friends, for clearly he was such an exception. Tom should be
cordial to him. Betty stared before her, intently watching the