I flatter myself I can do good work as well as any man." His father looked after him with a curious wistfulness.
"A fine fellow!" he said to himself, as Cardo's steps receded along the passage.

"Not much fault to be found with him! How can I spare him?
But he must go--he must go." Meanwhile Cardo, no longer with his hands in his pockets, stood in the swede field directing Shoni and Dye, and not only directing, but often taking his share in the weeding or hoeing.

He was full of interest in the farming operations, which, in truth, were thoroughly congenial to his tastes.
"Bless the turnips and mangolds," he would often say; "at least they take you out under the blue sky, and into the fresh air." He pondered upon the proposed addition to his father's household.

Suddenly an unpleasant thought seemed to strike him, for his face flushed, and he gave a long, low whistle.

"Phew! I never thought of that! Why! I shall never have an hour with Valmai with this confounded wrangler at my heels! Deuce anwl! how shall I manage it?
one thing only I know, no power on earth--not even an 'M.A.'-- shall keep me from her." But neither that day nor the next was Valmai to be seen.