On the Sunday spent in Helena the doctor proposed to Danvers that they give over politics and call at the Blairs. "They won't stand on formalities, and we both need to get our minds out of this political struggle. I'll be glad when I can go home to Fort Benton!" "Charlie seems to be doing well in Helena," remarked Philip, as they approached the house next Judge Latimer's. "He's up, then down. He isn't much of a business man, and hasn't head enough to keep in the swim. He worships that sister of his, and just now he's doing pretty well. I fancy that she knows nothing of his financial standing." "I imagine Miss Blair knows more about Charlie's difficulties than either you or he give her credit for. She sees more than she tells." The callers found brother and sister on the wide porch, and after the greetings and a half-hour of general conversation, Charlie Blair asked the doctor if he would come inside and give a little advice on a private matter. "Good," cried Winifred. "For once I'm glad that Charlie can think of nothing but business. Now I can talk to Mr. Danvers." "See that you do!" commanded Philip. "Yesterday I went away feeling like a garrulous dame; it is your turn to-day." Winifred affected to reflect. "What shall be my theme--art, music, literature or our mutual friends?" "Tell me of yourself." "As a subject of conversation, that would be soon exhausted. Women, you know, are too idle to be good; too conventional to be bad." "Indeed!" returned the cattleman, catching her mood. "I have known many women of that description. Pardon me, but I had imagined you were a different type." "You say the nicest things! I feel that we are going to be very good friends." Danvers bowed. "Thank you. I think we are." She returned his frank gaze, and settled herself comfortably for an afternoon's enjoyment. "Now talk!" she in turn commanded, with the sweeping imperialism she sometimes manifested toward a chance companion. "I refuse. It is your turn." "How you like to put on the mask of silence! Do you bolt the door to everyone but the doctor and Judge Latimer?" "Thoughts are hard things to express, unless one forgets himself, and they come spontaneously." "Go ahead and forget yourself, then!" "You are inexorable," laughing. "Your demand makes me think of an Indian Council. Of course, you know that when they meet to discuss problems, they sit silent for hours. The avowed purpose of conferring paralyzes their tongues, apparently, as you have paralyzed mine. If I ever had an idea I could not produce it now." "The Quakers have a prettier custom. They sit in silence till the spirit moves. I will be the spirit that moves you;" and so adroitly did she continue that unconsciously the man spoke of more serious things--his likings, his beliefs. "Why did you become an American?" she asked at length, the question that had often puzzled her.