and that angered me; but it was the foolish talk of that old man which
made me think I should have revenge--revenge upon a girl no more guilty
than a babe in its cradle."

Mr. Ford spoke with much bitterness. Men do not like to make such
mistakes, but those of high character are always ready to do what they
can to right such wrongs.

"But there was no real harm done?" interrupted the major.

"No harm done! To take two innocent girls into that office and accuse
them of--I don't know what! Why, Major, it was simply outrageous," and
Mr. Ford paced the floor impatiently.

"It was a lucky thing that my young man, Ralph Willoby, happened along,
although it seemed unlucky enough for him. But I believe he is not
injured beyond a cut lip and bruised eye. The old squire seemed to have
entirely lost control of himself. This comes from keeping incompetent
men in office--just through sentiment."

"Exactly. They can do more harm than one would imagine. Think how he
talked me into the idea that this poor Travers family should pay my
daughter's doctor bill! And I told him to go ahead and collect it!"

Each time that this thought came to Mr. Ford it seemed to him more
repugnant. First, that he should have blamed Tavia without investigating
the matter himself; next that he should have allowed a man like Squire
Sanders to "humbug" him.

"Well," said the major, "we now have it in our power to put the right