You know he bought that great ranch in Ventura county with Albert Harding of New York.

Harding has died insolvent, and father has to make certain payments or lose control of a valuable property.

It's going to make him a rich man some time, but for a year or two we shall have to count every penny.

Of course the fruit crop this season has been the worst in ten years, and of course there has been a frost this winter, the only severe one within the memory of the oldest inhabitant,--that's the way it always is,--and there I am! I suppose you despise me, Polly ?" "Yes, I do!" (hotly)--"No, I don't altogether, and I 'm not good enough myself to be able to despise people.

Besides, you are not a despisable boy.