When they parted at the door of Stephen's office, he said,-- "I think you always come to the village about this time in the morning, do you not ?" "Yes, always," replied Mercy.
"Then, if you are willing, I would like sometimes to walk with you," said Stephen.
"I like it very much, Mr.White," answered Mercy, eagerly.

"I used to walk a great deal with Mr.Allen, and I miss it sadly." A jealous pang shot through Stephen's heart.

He had been blind.

This was the reason Harley Allen had taken such interest in finding a home for Mrs.
Philbrick and her mother.

He remembered now that he had thought at the time some of the expressions in his friend's letter argued an unusual interest in the young widow.