charity and independence and kindliness and truth and the rest of the

standard virtues. That is quite as plausible as the interpretation of

the average commentator. The presence of money chills these little

birds--ah, it is lamentable, no doubt, but it is true."

"I don't believe it," said Margaret--quite as if that settled the

question.

But now his hobby, rowelled by opposition, was spurred to loftier

flights.

"Ah, the power of these great fortunes America has bred is monstrous,"

he suddenly cried. "And always they work for evil. If I were ever to