“Well, mamma dear, they shouldn’t tease her! As I’ve spent the whole day with Miss Maynard, you should be satisfied with the proof of your son’s fascinations. She might have dived off the driver’s seat into Brute’s arms, and she didn’t do it. Be comforted.” “I know Mrs. Bruce will make Irving take her to see the bears after supper. You watch! And you might just as well do it yourself.” “Oh no,” Robert shook his head. “I’d rather be free to climb a tree. Speaking of supper, come; and talk loudly, please, while I take my first mouthful, so the guests won’t hear it fall.” Mrs. Nixon sighed and went with him. When the party rose from the table there was a general movement to the back of the hotel to view the bears. Mrs. Bruce, quite restored by supper and the prospect of a night’s rest, held Betsy’s arm as a sign to Irving that he was at liberty. He and Robert sauntered on together, talking of the morrow’s fishing, and the others followed. Mr. Derwent was thoughtful. His sister leaned on his arm and Helen walked on his other side. “So you were at school with Miss Vincent?” he said. “Yes; a short time. It seems Mrs. Bruce gave her a short course.” The girl’s tone was cool; but Mrs. Nixon noted, as she had done before, the cleverness with which she conveyed her distinct words, and the ease with which her brother understood. “Didn’t you like her very much?” “No, not especially. I had no occasion to know her well.” “H’m! She seemed to me so appealing. Very modest and engaging.” “I dare say she is,” returned Helen carelessly. “Oh, there! See? That black bear and her cubs!” For the following fifteen minutes the party watched the bears. They heard the mother give the cubs warning under suspicion of a cinnamon bear’s approach, and saw the babies scamper fleetly up a tree, followed by mamma; then, presently reassured, the whole family came down and proceeded with their meal. Wires were stretched to prevent the human guests from trespassing beyond certain limits, and soldiers were on duty, for it is difficult to believe that the animals are not tame, and the curious would approach them. While the party watched, the cinnamon bear did appear, headed for the garbage-heap, and the house of black bear took to the woods in a body. Then came a grizzly, and the conquering cinnamon unostentatiously disappeared. “It is very interesting,” wailed Mrs. Bruce, “but why don’t the management provide clothespins for the guests’ noses?” Robert had gravitated to Helen’s side. “When we get across the Styx,” he murmured, “I’m going to follow that woman up. I’m as sure as if I’d seen it, that her halo won’t fit.” “And Mr. Bruce is so nice to her!” said Helen. There was gayety that night in the hotel office. An orchestra played, and there was dancing. Both the young men danced with Helen, then Irving wandered off to see about fishing-tackle, and Robert floated on with the girl, whose cheeks glowed.