"Oh, yes, the money!" Her eyes began to shine. She drew another long breath. "Oh, we can do so much with that money! Why, only think what is needed right HERE—better milk for the babies, and a community house, and the streets cleaner, and a new carpet for the church, and a new hospital with—"

"But, see here, aren't you going to spend some of that money on yourself?" he demanded. "Isn't there something YOU want?"

She gave him a merry glance.

"Myself? Dear me, I guess I am! I'm going to Egypt, and China, and Japan—with you, of course; and books—oh, you never saw such a lot of books as I shall buy. And—oh, I'll spend heaps on just my selfish self—you see if I don't! But, first,—oh, there are so many things that I've so wanted to do, and it's just come over me this minute that NOW I can do them! And you KNOW how Hillerton needs a new hospital." Her eyes grew luminous and earnest again. "And I want to build a store and run it so the girls can LIVE, and a factory, too, and decent homes for the workmen, and a big market, where they can get their food at cost; and there's the playground for the children, and—"

But Mr. Smith was laughing, and lifting both hands in mock despair.

"Look here," he challenged, "I THOUGHT you were marrying ME, but—ARE you marrying me or that confounded money?"

Miss Maggie laughed merrily.

"Yes, I know; but you see—" She stopped short. An odd expression came to her eyes.

Suddenly she laughed again, and threw into his eyes a look so merry, so whimsical, so altogether challenging, that he demanded:—

"Well, what is it now?"

'Oh, it's so good, I have—half a mind to tell you."

"Of course you'll tell me. Where are you going?" he asked discontentedly.

Miss Maggie had left the sofa, and was standing, as if half-poised for flight, midway to the door.

"I think—yes, I will tell you," she nodded, her cheeks very pink; "but I wanted to be—over here to tell it."

"'Way over there?"

"Yes, 'way over here. Do you remember those letters I got awhile ago, and the call from the Boston; lawyer, that I—I wouldn't tell you about?"

"I should say I did!"

"Well; you know you—you thought they—they had something to do with— my money; that I—I'd lost some."

"I did, dear."

"Well, they—they did have something to do—with money."

"I knew they did!" triumphed the man. "Oh, why wouldn't you tell me then—and let me help you some way?"

She shook her head nervously and backed nearer the door. He had half started from his seat.

"No, stay there. If you don't—I won't tell you."

He fell back, but with obvious reluctance.