to read. So he sent me after what he called my mare's nest. It isn't,

you see--no, not quite, not quite," Mr. Woods murmured, with an odd

smile, and then laughed and added, lamely: "I--I suppose I'm the only

person who knew about it."

Mr. Woods's manner was a thought strange. He stammered a little in

speaking; he laughed unnecessarily; and Margaret could see that his

hands trembled. Taking him all in all, you would have sworn he was

repressing some vital emotion. But he did not seem unhappy--no, not

exactly unhappy. He was with Margaret, you see.

"Oh, you beauty!" his meditations ran.