bided his time. Out of the division in his brother's house he proposed to
build up his own; just as he would step in and buy depreciated bonds to
hold them for a rise. He offered her a home and maintenance during his
lifetime, and his estate for herself and her children when he was through.
There were no conditions referring to our father, but it was understood
that she should give up her own. This, mainly, to spite his brother, yet
under all there was an old man's plea. She felt she could make the
obligation good, though there might not be much love on either side.
Perhaps it came later; but I remember enough of that time to believe that
her children's future was dearly paid for. Grandfather died alone, in the
old rat-ridden house up the Hudson. He left no will, to every one's
surprise. It might have been his negative way of owning his debt to nature
at the last.

"That is how we came to be rich; and no one detects in us now the crime of
those early struggles. But my father was a hired man; and my mother has
done every menial thing with those soft hands of hers." A softer one was
folded in his own. Its answering clasp was loyal and strong.

"Is _this_ the story you had not the courage to tell me?"

"This is the story I had the courage to tell you--not any too soon,
perhaps you think?"

"And do you think it needed courage?"

"The question is what you think. What are we to do with Uncle Jacob's
money? Go off by ourselves and have a good time with it?"

"We will not decide to-night," said Moya, tenderly subdued. But, though