Yet, though Archie’s companionship after this was more as Agnes would have had it, and he seemed much as he had been in the old days, Agnes herself did not change her attitude, and the lad missed something that he in vain tried to renew in their relationship. True to his word, he did not speak of his affection for her, and if the girl’s heart had not been steadfast in its devotion to the young Virginian, it is quite probable that Archie, by his unfailing tenderness and thoughtfulness, would have won her over. He certainly made her summer days pass more pleasantly, and the two spent many an hour together on the river, rowing, or under the trees, with a book. Many a walk they had through the woods to Jeanie’s, and many a ride they took to church, so that every one said there was no doubt but that it was a sure thing that the M’Cleans would have Agnes Kennedy for a daughter in good time. Mrs. Kennedy was a little troubled by these reports, and told Agnes of them. “I know, mother, that people will talk. I have told Archie how I feel toward him, and that I am willing to be his friend, but nothing more, yet he will persist, and says he does not care what the neighbors say; that they know more about it than I do. You would like to see me a minister’s wife, wouldn’t you, mother?” she asked wistfully. “I do not want my lass to waste her youth in waiting for one who may never return to her.” “But you bade me trust and be patient.” “Yes, but I had not then had this.” She drew forth a letter and handed it to Agnes. It was from Parker Willett. After telling of his safe arrival he said that his mother grew weaker, but the doctors gave hope that she might live a year. “In view of my protracted absence,” he wrote, “I am sending to my little clearing a young cousin, whom I commend to your friendly interest. He is a boy of good character, and desires much to go to the Western Reserve; this seems an opportunity which he is very ready to take, and he will set forth at once.” After sending polite messages to the family he signed himself “Your grateful friend, Parker Willett.” The only mention of Agnes was in a message which conveyed his remembrances, and the hope that she was enjoying the books he had left. Agnes refolded the letter thoughtfully and handed it back to her mother without a word, but it gave her the heartache for many a day after. CHAPTER XVIII THE OVERTHROW OF HUMPHREY