"Don't you congratulate me?" she asked, somewhat irritably.
"My dear aunt, I hope you will be happy; but it seems so—strange," Grace replied.
"I don't know why it should be so strange."
"At any rate, Aunt Caroline, I hope it may be for your happiness;" and Grace, kissing her aunt hurriedly, left the room.
"Grace is jealous," thought Mrs. Sheldon, smiling a little to herself. "She begins to value him now that she has lost him."
It is hardly necessary to say that she was entirely mistaken. It was evident to Grace why the major had sought her aunt in marriage, and she felt that his motives were wholly mercenary.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
PAUL SELLS THE MINE.
After a fatiguing trip Paul and his eccentric acquaintance reached Custer City. It was a rough journey, but Paul enjoyed it, and he was equally entertained and instructed by the comments of his traveling companion, who on his part formed a special liking for Paul.