that he could not do less than call upon her. To his agreeable
surprise he found that time had mellowed her spirit and softened her
angularities. After the death of her husband she had developed unusual
ability to take care of herself, and had shown little disposition to
take care of any one else. Her thrift and economy had greatly enhanced
her resources, and her investments had been profitable, while the
sense of increasing abundance had had a happy effect on her character.
Within the past year she had purchased the dwelling in which she now
resided, and to which she welcomed Graham with unexpected warmth. So
far from permitting him to make simply a formal call, she insisted on
an extended visit, and he, divorced from his studies and therefore
feeling his isolation more keenly than ever before, assented.

"My home is accessible," she said, "and from this point you can make
inquiries and look around for business opportunities quite as well as
from a city hotel."

She was so cordial, so perfectly sincere, that for the first time in
his life he felt what it was to have kindred and a place in the world
that was not purchased.

He had found his financial affairs in a much better condition than he
had expected. Some improvements were on foot which promised to advance
the value of his real estate so largely as to make him independent,
and he was much inclined to return to Germany and resume his studies.

"I will rest and vegetate for a time," he concluded. "I will wait till
my friend Hilland returns from the West, and then, when the impulse of
work takes possession of me again, I will decide upon my course."