Douglas Bruce held up the basket.

"Joy!" she cried. "Oh joy unspeakable! Who has been to the tamarack
swamp?"

"A squaw was leaving Lowry's as he put these in his window," answered
Douglas.

"Bring them," she said.

He followed to a wide side veranda, set the basket on a table in a cool
spot, then drew a chair near it. Leslie Winton seated herself, leaning on
the table to study the orchids. Unconsciously she made the picture Douglas
had seen. She reached up slim fingers in delicate touchings here and there
of moss, corolla and slipper.

"Never in all my days--" she said. "Never in all my days--I shall keep the
basket always, and the slippers as long as I possibly can. See this one!
It isn't fully open. I should have them for a week at least. Please hand
me a glass of water."

Douglas started to say that ice water would be too cold, but with the
wisdom of a wise man waited; and as always, was joyed by the waiting. For
the girl took the glass and cupping her hands around it sat talking to the
flowers, and to him, as she warmed the water with heat from her body.
Douglas was so delighted with the unforeseen second that had given him
first chance at the orchids, and so this unexpected call, that he did not
mind the attention she gave the flowers. He had reasons for not being
extravagant; but seldom had a like sum brought such returns. He began