I had small chance for farewell to Miss Grace, and if I shall admit the truth, this pleased me quite as well as not.
We rode in silence for a time, my father musing, my mother silent also.
It was Orme who was the first I heard to speak.
"By the way, Mr.Cowles," he said, "you spoke of Colonel Meriwether of Albemarle County.

Is he away in the West?
It chances that I have letters to him, and I was purposing going into that country before long." "Indeed, sir ?" replied my father.

"I am delighted to know that you are to meet my friend.

As it chances, he is my associate in a considerable business enterprise--a splendid man, a splendid man, Meriwether.

I will, if you do not mind, add my letter to others you may have, and I trust you will carry him our best wishes from this side of the mountains." That was like my father--innocent, unsuspicious, ever ready to accept other men as worthy of his trust, and ever ready to help a stranger as he might.