Anyhow, I'm here to meet an American whose acquaintance I made farther West.

He's a traveler in paints and varnishes, and a very enterprising person, as well as an unusually good sort.

But I've told you enough about myself; I want your news." Blanche thought it cost her husband an effort to fall in with his cousin's casual mood.

Blake, however, seemed quite at ease, and she was growing interested in him.

He reminded her of the Challoner portraits in the dark oak gallery at Sandymere, but she thought him lighter, more brilliant, and, in a sense, more human than those stern soldiers.