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 eason ably jealous of—I didn't know of whom—for a whole week before you came to us. I shall never be such a simpleton again."

"My wise brother says you and he have concluded to marry each other, Mrs. O'Dowd."

"We were engaged for a short time, but when I overheard him talking to himself about going to Portland ' to see a woman,' and he wouldn't take me into his confidence about her, I got angry and jealous, and treated him shabbily."

They found the Captain, of whom they went in quest, in his favorite seat on the front doorstep.

"I don't see why you and Joseph cannot go together to visit your parents this winter," said Mrs. Ranger, coming at once to the point. "Your partner can have ample time while you are away to get the foundations ready for the mill and other buildings. I will write to Joseph this very night and urge it if you say so."

The Captain looked inquiringly at Mrs. O'Dowd.

"I quite agree with your brother's wife," she said, extending her hand. "I was an idiot to act toward you as I did."

"With your permission, I will write at once to Joseph, explaining everything and urging him to come to the ranch at once. The courier goes out to-night, so there is no time to lose."

"Yes," said Sally, whose eyes were blazing with a new joy, "it is just as Wahnetta says. You can be spared better this winter than later. Will you go if Joseph consents to accompany you?"

"And leave you behind?"

"It would be very humiliating to your family and em|?arrassing to both of us for me to return as your wife to the old home of your Annie, John."

"But you'll marry me before I start?"

"No, John," she said, the tears welling to her eyes; "we owe to your Annie's people a tender regard for