CHAPTER XXV
GLENGARRY FOREVER
The colonel was an experienced traveler, and believed in making himselfcomfortable. Ranald looked on with some amusement, and a little wonder,while the colonel arranged his things about the stateroom.
"May as well make things comfortable while we can," said the colonel,"we have the better part of three days before us on this boat, and ifit gets rough, it is better to have things neat. Now you go ahead," headded, "and get your things out."
"I think you are right, Colonel. I am not much used to travel, but Ishall take your advice on this."
"Well, I have traveled considerable these last twenty years," repliedthe colonel. "I say, would you mind leaving those out?"
"What?"
"Those photos. They're the two you had up by the glass in your room,aren't they?" Ranald flushed a little.
"Of course it ain't for every one to see, and I would not ask you, butthose two ain't like any other two that I have seen, and I have seen agood many in forty years." Ranald said nothing, but set the photographson a little bracket on the wall.
"There, that makes this room feel better," said the colonel. "That thereis the finest, sweetest, truest girl that walks this sphere," he said,pointing at Kate's photograph, "and the other, I guess you know allabout her."
"Yes, I know about her," said Ranald, looking at the photograph; "it isto her I owe everything I have that is any good. And Colonel," he added,with an unusual burst of confidence, "when my life was broken off short,that woman put me in the way of getting hold of it again."
"Well, they both think a pile of you," was the colonel's reply.
"Yes, I think they do," said Ranald. "They are not the kind to forgeta man when he is out of sight, and it is worth traveling two thousandmiles to see them again."
"Ain't it queer, now, how the world is run?" said the colonel. "There'stwo women, now, the very best; one has been buried all her life in alittle hole in the woods, and the other is giving herself to a fellowthat ain't fit to carry her boots."
"What!" said Ranald, sharply, "Kate?"
"Yes, they say she is going to throw herself away on young St. Clair.He is all right, I suppose, but he ain't fit for her." Ranald suddenlystooped over his valise and began pulling out his things.
"I didn't hear of that," he said.
"I did," said the colonel; "you see he is always there, and acting as ifhe owned her. He stuck to her for a long time, and I guess she got tiredholding out."
"Harry is a very decent fellow," said Ranald, rising up from hisunpacking; "I say, this boat's close. Let us go up on deck."
"Wait," said the colonel, "I want to talk over our plans, and we cantalk better here."
"No," said Ranald; "I want some fresh air. Let us go up." And withoutfurther words, he hurried up the gangway. It was some time beforeColonel Thorp found him in the bow of the boat, and immediately began totalk over their plans.
"You spoke of going to Toronto first thing," he said to Ranald.
"Yes," said Ranald; "but I think I ought to go to Ottawa at once, andthen I shall see my people in Glengarry for a few days. Then I will beready for the meeting at Bay City any time after the second week."
"But you have not put Toronto in there," said the colonel; "you are notgoing to disappoint that little girl? She would take it pretty hard.Mind you, she wants to see you."
"Oh, of course I shall run in for a day."
"Well," said the colonel, "I want to give you plenty of time. I willarrange that meeting for a month from to-day."
"No, no," said Ranald, impatiently; "I must get back to the West. Twoweeks will do me."
"Well, we will make it three," said the colonel. He could not understandRanald's sudden eagerness to set out for the West again. He had spokenwith such enthusiastic delight of his visit to Toronto, and now he wasonly going to run in for a day or so. And if Ranald himself were asked,he would have found it difficult to explain his sudden lack of interest,not only in Toronto, but in everything that lay in the East. He wasconscious of a deep, dull ache in his heart, and he could not quiteexplain it.
After the colonel had gone down for the night, Ranald walked the deckalone and resolutely faced himself. His first frank look within revealedto him the fact that his pain had come upon him with the colonel'sinformation that Kate had given herself to Harry. It was right that heshould be disappointed. Harry, though a decent enough fellow, did notbegin to be worthy of her; and indeed no one that he knew was worthy ofher. But why should he feel so sorely about it? For years Harry hadbeen her devoted slave. He would give her the love of an honest man, andwould surround her with all the comforts and luxuries that wealth couldbring. She would be very happy. He had no right to grieve about it.And yet he did grieve. The whole sky over the landscape of his life hadsuddenly become cold and gray. During these years Kate had grown to bemuch to him. She had in many ways helped him in his work. The thought ofher and her approval had brought him inspiration and strength in many anhour of weakness and loneliness. She had been so loyal and so true fromthe very first, and it was a bitter thing to feel that another had comebetween them. Over and over again he accused himself of sheer madness.Why should she not love Harry? That need not make her any less hisfriend. But in spite of his arguments, he found himself weary of theEast and eager to turn away from it. He must hurry on at once to Ottawa,and with all speed get done his business there.
At Chicago he left the colonel with a promise to meet him in three weeksat the headquarters of the British-American Coal and Lumber Company atBay City. He wired to Ottawa, asking an appointment with the government,and after three days' hard travel found himself in the capital of theDominion. The premier, Sir John A. Macdonald, with the ready courtesycharacteristic of him, immediately arranged for a hearing of thedelegation from British Columbia. Ranald was surprised at theindifference with which he approached this meeting. He seemed to havelost capacity for keen feeling of any kind. Sir John A. MacDonald andhis cabinet received the delegation with great kindness, and in everypossible way strove to make them feel that the government was genuinelyinterested in the western province, and were anxious to do all thatcould be done in their interest. In the conference that ensued, thedelegate for Victoria took a more prominent part, being an older man,and representing the larger and more important constituency. But whenSir John began to ask questions, the Victoria delegate was soon beyondhis depth. The premier showed such an exactness of knowledge andcomprehensiveness of grasp that before long Ranald was appealed to forinformation in regard to the resources of the country, and especiallythe causes and extent of the present discontent.
"The causes of discontent are very easy to see," said Ranald; "allBritish Columbians feel hurt at the failure of the Dominion governmentto keep its solemn obligations."
"Is there nothing else now, Mr. Macdonald?"
"There may be," said Ranald, "some lingering impatience with thegovernment by different officials, and there is a certain amount ofannexation sentiment."
"Ah," said Sir John, "I think we have our finger upon it now."
"Do not over-estimate that," said Ranald; "I believe that there are onlya very few with annexation sentiments, and all these are of Americanbirth. The great body of the people are simply indignant at, anddisappointed with, the Dominion government."
"And would you say there is no other cause of discontent, Mr.Macdonald?" said Sir John, with a keen look at Ranald.
"There is another cause, I believe," said Ranald, "and that is the partydepression, but that depression is due to the uncertainty in regardto the political future of the province. When once we hear that therailroad is being built, political interest will revive."
"May I ask where you were born?" said Sir John.
"In Glengarry," said Ranald, with a touch of pride in his voice.
"Ah, I am afraid your people are not great admirers of my government,and perhaps you, Mr. Macdonald, share in the opinion of your county."
"I have no opinion in regard to Do
minion politics. I am for BritishColumbia."
"Well, Mr. Macdonald," said Sir John, rising, "that is right, and youought to have your road."
"Do I understand you to say that the government will begin to build theroad at once?" said Ranald.
"Ah," smiled Sir John, "I see you want something definite."
"I have come two thousand miles to get it. The people that sent mewill be content with nothing else. It is a serious time with us, and Ibelieve with the whole of the Dominion."
"Mr. Macdonald," said Sir John, becoming suddenly grave, "believe me, itis a more serious time than you know, but you trust me in this matter."
"Will the road be begun this year?" said Ranald.
"All I can say to-day, Mr. Macdonald," said Sir John, earnestly, "isthis, that if I can bring it about, the building of the road will bestarted at once."
"Then, Sir John," said Ranald, "you may depend that British Columbiawill be grateful to you," and the interview was over.
Outside the room, he found Captain De Lacy awaiting him.
"By Jove, Macdonald, I have been waiting here three-quarters of an hour.Come along. Maimie has an afternoon right on, and you are our lion."Ranald would have refused, but De Lacy would not accept any apology, andcarried him off.
Maimie's rooms were crowded with all the great social and politicalpeople of the city. With an air of triumph, De Lacy piloted Ranaldthrough the crowd and presented him to Maimie. Ranald was surprisedto find himself shaking hands with the woman he had once loved, withunquickened pulse and nerves cool and steady. Here Maimie, who waslooking more beautiful than ever, and who was dressed in a gown ofexquisite richness, received Ranald with a warmth that was almostenthusiastic.
"How famous you have become, Mr. Macdonald," she said, offering him herhand; "we are all proud to say that we know you."
"You flatter me," said Ranald, bowing over her hand.
"No, indeed. Every one is talking of the young man from the West. Andhow handsome you are, Ranald," she said, in a low voice, leaning towardhim, and flashing at him one of her old-time glances.
"I am not used to that," he said, "and I can only reply as we used to inschool, 'You, too.'"
"Oh, now you flatter me," cried Maimie, gayly; "but let me introduce youto my dear friend, Lady Mary Rivers. Lady Mary, this is Mr. Macdonaldfrom British Columbia, you know."
"Oh, yes," said Lady Mary, with a look of intelligence in her beautifuldark eyes, "I have heard a great deal about you. Let me see, you opposedseparation; saved the Dominion, in short."
"Did I, really?" said Ranald, "and never knew it."
"You see, he is not only famous but modest," said Maimie; "but thatis an old characteristic of his. I knew Mr. Macdonald a very long timeago."
"Very," said Ranald.
"When we were quite young."
"Very young," replied Ranald, with great emphasis.
"And doubtless very happy," said Lady Mary.
"Happy," said Ranald, "yes, so happy that I can hardly bear to think ofthose days."
"Why so?" inquired Lady Mary.
"Because they are gone."
"But all days go and have to be parted with."
"Oh, yes, Lady Mary. That is true and so many things die with them, as,for instance, our youthful beliefs and enthusiasms. I used to believe inevery one, Lady Mary."
"And now in no one?"
"God forbid! I discriminate."
"Now, Lady Mary," replied Maimie, "I want my lion to be led about andexhibited, and I give him over to you."
For some time Ranald stood near, chatting to two or three people to whomLady Mary had introduced him, but listening eagerly all the while toMaimie talking to the men who were crowded about her. How brilliantlyshe talked, finding it quite within her powers to keep several men busyat the same time; and as Ranald listened to her gay, frivolous talk,more and more he became conscious of an unpleasantness in her tone. Itwas thin, shallow, and heartless.
"Can it be possible," he said to himself, "that once she had the powerto make my heart quicken its beat?"
"Tell me about the West," Lady Mary was saying, when Ranald came tohimself.
"If I begin about the West," he replied, "I must have both time andspace to deliver myself."
"Come, then. We shall find a corner," said Lady Mary, and for half anhour did Ranald discourse to her of the West, and so eloquentlythat Lady Mary quite forgot that he was a lion and that she had beenintrusted with the duty of exhibiting him. By and by Maimie found them.
"Now, Lady Mary, you are very selfish, for so many people are wanting tosee our hero, and here is the premier wanting to see you."
"Ah, Lady Mary," said Sir John, "you have captured the man fromGlengarry, I see."
"I hope so, indeed," said Lady Mary; "but why from Glengarry? He is fromthe West, is he not?"
"Once from Glengarry, now from the West, and I hope he will often comefrom the West, and he will, no doubt, if those people know what is goodfor them." And Sir John, skillfully drawing Ranald aside, led himto talk of the political situation in British Columbia, now and thenputting a question that revealed a knowledge so full and accurate thatRanald exclaimed, suddenly, "Why, Sir John, you know more about thecountry than I do!"
"Not at all, not at all," replied Sir John; and then, lowering hisvoice to a confidential tone, he added, "You are the first man from thatcountry that knows what I want to know." And once more he plied Ranaldwith questions, listening eagerly and intelligently to the answers soenthusiastically given.
"We want to make this Dominion a great empire," said Sir John, as hesaid good by to Ranald, "and we are going to do it, but you and men likeyou in the West must do your part."
Ranald was much impressed by the premier's grave earnestness.
"I will try, Sir John," he said, "and I shall go back feeling thankfulthat you are going to show us the way."
"Going so soon?" said Maimie, when he came to say good by. "Why Ihave seen nothing of you, and I have not had a moment to offer you mycongratulations," she said, with a significant smile. Ranald bowed histhanks.
"And Kate, dear girl," went on Maimie, "she never comes to see me now,but I am glad she will be so happy."
Ranald looked at her steadily for a moment or two, and then said,quietly, "I am sure I hope so, and Harry is a very lucky chap."
"Oh, isn't he," cried Maimie, "and he is just daft about her. Must yougo? I am so sorry. I wanted to talk about old times, the dear old days."The look in Maimie's eyes said much more than her words.
"Yes," said Ranald, with an easy, frank smile; "they were dear days,indeed; I often think of them. And now I must really go. Say good by toDe Lacy for me."
He came away from her with an inexplicable feeling of exultation. He hadgone with some slight trepidation in his heart, to meet her, and it wasno small relief to him to discover that she had lost all power over him.
"What sort of man could I have been, I wonder?" he asked himself; "andit was only three years ago."
Near the door Lady Mary stopped him. "Going so early, and without sayinggood by?" she said, reproachfully.
"I must leave town to-night," he replied, "but I am glad to say good byto you."
"I think you ought to stay. I am sure His Excellency wants to see you."
"I am sure you are good to think so, but I am also quite sure that hehas never given a thought to my insignificant self."
"Indeed he has. Now, can't you stay a few days? I want to see more--weall want to hear more about the West."
"You will never know the West by hearing of it," said Ranald, offeringhis hand.
"Good by," she said, "I am coming."
"Good," he said, "I shall look for you."
As Ranald approached his hotel, he saw a man that seemed oddly familiar,lounging against the door and as he drew near, he discovered to hisastonishment and joy that it was Yankee.
"Why, Yankee!" he exclaimed, rushing at him, "how in the world did youcome to be here, and what brought you?"
"Well, I came for you, I guess. Heard you were going to be here andwere comin' home afterwards, so I thought it would be quicker for youto drive straight across than to go round by Cornwall, so I hitched upLisette and came right along."
"Lisette! You don't mean to tell me? How is the old girl? Yankee, youhave done a fine thing. Now we will start right away."
"All right," said Yankee.
"How long will it take us to get home?"
"'Bout two days easy goin,' I guess. Of course if you want, I guess wecan do it in a day and a half. She will do all you tell her."
"Well, we will take two days," said Ranald.
"I guess we had better take a pretty early start," said Yankee.
"Can't we get off to-night?" inquired Ranald, eagerly. "We could get outten miles or so."
"Yes," replied Yankee. "There's a good place to stop, about ten milesout. I think we had better go along the river road, and then take downthrough the Russell Hills to the Nation Crossing."
In half an hour they were off on their two days' trip to the IndianLands. And two glorious days they were. The open air with the suggestionof the coming fall, the great forests with their varying hues of greenand brown, yellow and bright red, and all bathed in the smoky purplelight of the September sun, these all combined to bring to Ranald'sheart the rest and comfort and peace that he so sorely needed. And whenhe drove into his uncle's yard in the late afternoon of the second day,he felt himself more content to live the life appointed him; and ifanything more were needed to strengthen him in this resolution, andto fit him for the fight lying before him, his brief visit to his homebrought it to him. It did him good to look into the face of the greatMacdonald Bhain once more, and to hear his deep, steady voice welcomehim home. It was the face and the voice of a man who had passed throughmany a sore battle, and not without honor to himself. And it was good,too, to receive the welcome greetings of his old friends and to feeltheir pride in him and their high expectation of him. More than ever, heresolved that he would be a man worthy of his race.
His visit to the manse brought him mingled feelings of delight andperplexity and pain. The minister's welcome was kind, but there was atinge of self-complacent pride in it. Ranald was one of "his lads," andhe evidently took credit to himself for the young man's success. Hughieregarded him with reserved approval. He was now a man and teachingschool, and before committing himself to his old-time devotion, he hadto adjust his mind to the new conditions. But before the evening washalf done Ranald had won him once more. His tales of the West, and ofhow it was making and marring men, of the nation that was being builtup, and his picture of the future that he saw for the great Dominion,unconsciously revealed the strong manhood and the high ideals in thespeaker, and Hughie found himself slipping into the old attitude ofdevotion to his friend.
But it struck Ranald to the heart to see the marks of many a long day'swork upon the face of the woman who had done more for him than all therest of the world. Her flock of little children had laid upon her a loadof care and toil, which added to the burden she was already trying tocarry, was proving more than her delicate frame could bear. There werelines upon her face that only weariness often repeated cuts deep; butthere were other lines there, and these were lines of heart pain, andas Ranald watched her closely, with his heart running over with love andpity and indignation for her, he caught her frequent glances toward herfirst born that spoke of anxiety and fear.
"Can it be the young rascal is bringing her anything but perfectsatisfaction and joy in return for the sacrifice of her splendid life?"he said to himself. But no word fell from her to show him the secretof her pain, it was Hughie's own lips that revealed him, and as the ladtalked of his present and his future, his impatience of control, hislack of sympathy to all higher ideals, his determination to pleasehimself to the forgetting of all else, his seeming unconsciousness ofthe debt he owed to his mother, all these became easily apparent. Withdifficulty Ranald restrained his indignation. He let him talk for sometime and then opened out upon him. He read him no long lecture, but hiswords came forth with such fiery heat that they burned their way clearthrough all the faults and flimsy selfishness of the younger man tillthey reached the true heart of him. His last words Hughie never forgot.
"Do you know, Hughie," he said, and the fire in his eyes seemed to burninto Hughie's, "do you know what sort of woman you have for a mother?And do you know that if you should live to be a hundred years, anddevoted every day of your life to the doing of her pleasure, you couldnot repay the debt you owe her? Be a man, Hughie. Thank God for her, andfor the opportunity of loving and caring for her."
The night of his first visit to the manse Ranald had no opportunity forany further talk with the minister's wife, but he came away with theresolve that before his week's visit was over, he would see her alone.On his return home, however, he found waiting him a telegram fromColonel Thorp, mailed from Alexandria, announcing an early date for themeeting of shareholders at Bay City, so that he found it necessary toleave immediately after the next day, which was the Sabbath. It wasno small disappointment to him that he was to have no opportunity ofopening his heart to his friend. But as he sat in his uncle's seatat the side of the pulpit, from which he could catch sight of theminister's pew, and watched the look of peace and quiet courage growupon her face till all the lines of pain and care were quite smoothedout, he felt his heart fill up with a sense of shame for all hisweakness, and his soul knit itself into the resolve that if he shouldhave to walk his way, bearing his cross alone, he would seek the samehigh spirit of faith and patience and courage that he saw shining in hergray-brown eyes.
After the service he walked home with the minister's wife, seekingopportunity for a few last words with her. He had meant to tell hersomething of his heart's sorrow and disappointment, for he guessed thatknowing and loving Kate as she did, she would understand its depth andbitterness. But when he told her of his early departure, and of the fearthat for many years he could not return, his heart was smitten with agreat pity for her. The look of disappointment and almost of dismay hecould not understand until, with difficulty, she told him how she hadhoped that he was to spend some weeks at home and that Hughie might bemuch with him.
"I wish he could know you better, Ranald. There is no one about here towhom he can look up, and some of his companions are not of the best."The look of beseeching pain in her eyes was almost more than Ranaldcould bear.
"I would give my life to help you," he said, in a voice hoarse andhusky.
"I know," she said, simply; "you have been a great joy to me, Ranald,and it will always comfort me to think of you, and of your work, and Ilike to remember, too, how you helped Harry. He told me much about you,and I am so glad, especially as he is now to be married."
"Yes, yes," replied Ranald, hurriedly; "that will be a great thing forhim." Then, after a pause, he added: "Mrs. Murray, the West is a hardcountry for young men who are not--not very firmly anchored, but if atany time you think I could help Hughie and you feel like sending him tome, I will gladly do for him all that one man can do for another. Andall that I can do will be a very poor return for what you have done forme."
"It's little I have done, Ranald," she said, "and that little has beenrepaid a thousand-fold, for there is no greater joy than that of seeingmy boys grow into good and great men and that joy you have brought me."Then she said good by, holding his hand long, as if hating to let himgo.
"I will remember your promise, Ranald," she said, "for it may be thatsome day I shall need you." And when the chance came to Ranald beforemany years had gone, he proved himself not unworthy of her trust.
* * * * *
At the meeting of share-holders of the British-American Coal and LumberCompany, held in Bay City, the feeling uppermost in the minds of thosepresent was one of wrath and indignation at Colonel Thorp, for hestill clung to the idea that it would be unwise to wind up the BritishColumbia end of the business. The colonel's speech in reply was atriumph of diplomacy
. He began by giving a detailed and graphic accountof his trip through the province, lighting up the narrative withincidents of adventure, both tragic and comic, to such good purpose thatbefore he had finished his hearers had forgotten all their anger. Thenhe told of what he had seen of Ranald's work, emphasizing the largenessof the results he had obtained with his very imperfect equipment.He spoke of the high place their manager held in the esteem of thecommunity as witness his visit to Ottawa as representative, and lastlyhe touched upon his work for the men by means of the libraries andreading-room. Here he was interrupted by an impatient exclamation on thepart of one of the share-holders. The colonel paused, and fasteninghis eye upon the impatient share-holder, he said, in tones cool anddeliberate: "A gentleman says, 'Nonsense!' I confess that before myvisit to the West I should have said the same, but I want to say righthere and now, that I have come to the opinion that it pays to lookafter your men--soul, mind, and body. You'll cut more lumber, get bettercontracts, and increase your dividends. There ain't no manner of doubtabout that. Now," concluded the colonel, "you may still want to close upthat business, but before you do so, I want you to hear Mr. Macdonald."
After some hesitation, Ranald was allowed to speak for a few minutes.He began by expressing his amazement that there should be any thoughton the part of the company of withdrawing from the province at the verytime when other firms were seeking to find entrance. He acknowledgedthat the result for the last years did not warrant any great confidencein the future of their business, but a brighter day had dawned, therailroad was coming, and he had in his pocket three contracts that itwould require the company's whole force for six months to fulfill, andthese contracts would be concluded the day the first rail was laid.
"And when will that be?" interrupted a shareholder, scornfully.
"I have every assurance," said Ranald, quietly, "from the premierhimself, that the building of the railroad will be started this fall."
"Did Sir John A. MacDonald give you a definite promise?" asked the man,in surprise.
"Not exactly a promise," said Ranald.
A chorus of scornful "Ohs" greeted this admission.
"But the premier assured me that all his influence would be thrown infavor of immediate construction."
"For my part," replied the share-holder, "I place not the slightestconfidence in any such promise as that."
"And I," said Ranald, calmly, "have every confidence that work on theline will be started this fall." And then he went on to speak of thefuture that he saw stretching out before the province and the wholeDominion. The feeling of opposition in the air roused him like a callto battle, and the thought that he was pleading for the West that hehad grown to love, stimulated him like a draught of strong wine. In themidst of his speech the secretary, who till that moment had not beenpresent, came into the room with the evening paper in his hand. He gaveit to the president, pointing out a paragraph. At once the president,interrupting Ranald in his speech, rose and said, "Gentlemen, thereis an item of news here that I think you will all agree bears somewhatdirectly upon this business." He then read Sir John A. MacDonald'sfamous telegram to the British Columbia government, promising that theCanadian Pacific Railway should be begun that fall. After the cheers haddied away, Ranald rose again, and said, "Mr. President and gentlemen,there is no need that I should say anything more. I simply wish to addthat I return to British Columbia next week, but whether as manager forthis company or not that is a matter of perfect indifference to me." Andsaying this, he left the room, followed by Colonel Thorp.
"You're all right, pardner," said the colonel, shaking him vigorously bythe hand, "and if they don't feel like playing up to your lead, then,by the great and everlasting Sammy, we will make a new deal and play italone!"
"All right, Colonel," said Ranald; "I almost think I'd rather play itwithout them and you can tell them so."
"Where are you going now?" said the colonel.
"I've got to go to Toronto for a day," said Ranald; "the boys arefoolish enough to get up a kind of dinner at the Albert, and besides,"he added, resolutely, "I want to see Kate."
"Right you are," said the colonel; "anything else would be meaner thansnakes."
But when Ranald reached Toronto, he found disappointment awaiting him.The Alberts were ready to give him an enthusiastic reception, but to hisdismay both Harry and Kate were absent. Harry was in Quebec and Katewas with her mother visiting friends at the Northern Lake, so Ranald wasforced to content himself with a letter of farewell and congratulationupon her approaching marriage. In spite of his disappointment, Ranaldcould not help acknowledging a feeling of relief. It would have beenno small ordeal to him to have met Kate, to have told her how she hadhelped him during his three years' absence, without letting her suspecthow much she had become to him, and how sore was his disappointment thatshe could never be more than friend to him, and indeed, not even that.But his letter was full of warm, frank, brotherly congratulation andgood will.
The dinner at the Albert was in every way worthy of the club and of theoccasion, but Ranald was glad to get it over. He was eager to get awayfrom the city associated in his mind with so much that was painful.
At length the last speech was made, and the last song was sung, and themen in a body marched to the station carrying their hero with them.As they stood waiting for the train to pull out, a coachman in liveryapproached little Merrill.
"A lady wishes to see Mr. Macdonald, sir," he said, touching his hat.
"Well, she's got to be quick about it," said Merrill. "Here, Glengarry,"he called to Ranald, "a lady is waiting outside to see you, but I say,old chap, you will have to make it short, I guess it will be sweetenough."
"Where is she?" said Ranald to the coachman.
"In here, sir," conducting him to the ladies' waiting-room, and takinghis place at the door outside. Ranald hurried into the room, and therestood Kate.
"Dear Kate!" he cried, running toward her with both hands outstretched,"this is more than kind of you, and just like your good heart."
"I only heard last night, Ranald," she said, "from Maimie, that you wereto be here to-day, and I could not let you go." She stood up looking sobrave and proud, but in spite of her, her lips quivered.
"I have waited to see you so long," she said, "and now you are goingaway again."
"Don't speak like that, Kate," said Ranald, "don't say those things. Iwant to tell you how you have helped me these three lonely years, but Ican't, and you will never know, and now I am going back. I hardly daredto see you, but I wish you everything that is good. I haven't seen Harryeither, but you will wish him joy for me. He is a very lucky fellow."
By this time Ranald had regained control of himself, and was speakingin a tone of frank and brotherly affection. Kate looked at him with aslightly puzzled air.
"I've seen Maimie," Ranald went on, "and she told me all about it, andI am--yes, I am very glad." Still Kate looked a little puzzled, but theminutes were precious, and she had much to say.
"Oh, Ranald!" she cried, "I have so much to say to you. You have becomea great man, and you are good. I am so proud when I hear of you," andlowering her voice almost to a whisper, "I pray for you every day."
As Ranald stood gazing at the beautiful face, and noticed the quiveringlips and the dark eyes shining with tears she was too brave to let fall,he felt that he was fast losing his grip of himself.
"Oh, Kate," he cried, in a low, tense voice, "I must go. You have beenmore to me than you will ever know. May you both be happy."
"Both?" echoed Kate, faintly.
"Yes," cried Ranald, hurriedly, "Harry will, I'm sure, for if any onecan make him happy, you can."
"I?" catching her breath, and beginning to laugh a little hysterically.
"What's the matter, Kate? You are looking white."
"Oh," cried Kate, her voice broken between a sob and a laugh, "won'tHarry and Lily enjoy this?"
Ranald gazed at her in fear as if she had suddenly gone mad.
"Lily?" he gasped.
r /> "Yes, Lily," cried Kate; "didn't you know Lily Langford, Harry's dearestand most devoted?"
"No," said Ranald; "and it is not you?"
"Not me," cried Kate, "not in the very least."
"Oh, Kate, tell me, is this all true? Are you still free? And is thereany use?"
"What do you mean?" cried Kate, dancing about in sheer joy, "you sillyboy."
By this time Ranald had got hold of her hands.
"Look here, old chap," burst in Merrill, "your train's going. Oh, begpardon."
"Take the next, Ranald."
"Merrill," said Ranald, solemnly, "tell the fellows I'm not going onthis train."
"Hoorah!" cried little Merrill, "I guess I'll tell 'em you are gone. MayI tell the fellows, Kate?"
"What?" said Kate, blushing furiously.
"Yes, Merrill," cried Ranald, in a voice strident with ecstasy, "you maytell them. Tell the whole town."
Merrill rushed to the door. "I say, fellows," he cried, "look here."
The men came trooping at his call, but only to see Ranald and Katedisappearing through the other door.
"He's not going," cried Merrill, "he's gone. By Jove! They've bothgone."
"I say, little man," said big Starry Hamilton, "call yourself togetherif you can. Who've both gone? In short, who is the lady?"
"Why, Kate Raymond, you blessed idiot!" cried Merrill, rushing for thedoor, followed by the whole crowd.
"Three cheers for Macdonald!" cried Starry Hamilton, as the carriagedrove away, and after the three cheers and the tiger, little Merrill'svoice led them in the old battle-cry, heard long ago on the river, butafterward on many a hard-fought foot-ball field, "Glengarry forever!"
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