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"I don't know but you are right, Miss Ranger. Women ought to have power. My sovereign is a woman, and we have no slavery in England."

"Thank you for giving me the best of the argument, Mr. Ashleigh. But I see that daddie is impatient, and we must be going."

"I hope you'll pardon me for referring to a proposition you made last evening, although you may have changed your mind. Miss Ranger. You proposed writing to my mother. Will you do it?"

"Ask daddie."

"I have no objection, of course," said her father, "if it is understood that I shall see the letters."

"Of course," responded Jean.

"May I have the pleasure of corresponding with your daughter, sir?"

"Yes, if I can see the correspondence."

This was a greater concession than Jean had dared to hope for.

"Thank you. Captain Ranger. I am sure my mother will be delighted with the young lady's letters. She has awakened my dormant sense of filial duty and inspired me with a determination to return to it. I shall not neglect my mother again."

"Come, Jean I It is high time we were off!"

As her father spoke, the possible termination to this peculiar meeting gave him a heartache.

The last good-byes were spoken, and Captain Ranger heaved a sigh of relief. "It will be out of sight, out of mind, with both of 'em in less than a month I "he said, sotto voce.