"Come back, please," she said. "Supper will be ready in about ten minutes." When Andrew had gone out Graham turned to his wife. "I'm sorry, Martha. I feel that I must go." She came to him and put her hands on his shoulders, smiling bravely. "Why, of course, dear! I wouldn't stop you." Graham threw his arms around her. "It isn't all restlessness, Martha--there is a chance! What have I done so far but keep you poor? It has hurt me to see you always hard at work at some drudgery, living in this poor little house, planning to save a few cents wherever you could. Now there may be a change; our life will be very different and the children's future brighter if I can find the lode. But if I am to find it, I must go now. In a few more years it would be too late." "Yes," she said softly. "But, after all, we have been happy here." He kissed her, protesting that he had been far happier than he deserved; but she drew away from him. "Still, you have had your bad hours. Do you think I don't know? It wasn't easy to go to the office day after day and keep accounts, with the longing you couldn't get over, and dreams of riches in your mind." "I'm afraid I let you guess it. But they're not dreams. I found a lode rich in silver; I may locate it again." Mrs. Graham smiled rather wearily. "Dear, I hardly care whether you find the lode or not. You will be content when you have looked for it, and I shall be happier knowing that the restlessness you couldn't master has gone and will never trouble us again." When Jim and his sister came in for supper, Andrew joined them, and found that he was expected to talk over his plans. It was obvious that Graham had not strained his authority: his was a harmonious household and its younger members expressed their opinions with freedom. Andrew was, however, amused to see that their father had risen in their esteem. They had never attached much importance to his belief in the lode; but since he had gained the support of a man of means, it looked as if there might be something in the project. Nevertheless, they bantered Andrew freely and he took it in good part. When he left, Mrs. Graham accompanied him to the door. "You'll try to forgive me?" he begged, stopping a moment in the narrow, shabby hall. "Yes," she said. "I can't fairly blame you, and I have been prepared for what has happened." Then she laid her hand on his arm. "I am trusting you with a great deal, Mr. Allinson. It's a heavy responsibility." CHAPTER XII INTERRUPTED PLANS