“Well, I appear to be in the enemy’s country, with a vengeance,” said Winthrop. “How about you, Major? Are you also down on us?” “No, Mr. Winthrop. I don’t deny, sir, that shortly after the war I felt resentment, but that sentiment has long since disappeared. I am honored with the friendship of several very estimable Northern gentlemen, sir. Nor must you think the sentiment hereabouts prejudicial to your people, Mr. Winthrop. Corunna is off the track of the tourist, to be sure; we have no special attractions here; no big hotels, sir, to cater to him; but once in a while a Northerner wanders to our town and we have grown to appreciate his many very excellent qualities, sir.” “That’s comforting. I had begun to feel like a pariah.” “My dear sir!” expostulated the Major. “Disabuse your mind of such wrong ideas, Mr. Winthrop. I shall take pleasure in convincing you that any ill-feeling engendered by the late unpleasantness has quite passed away. I shall esteem it a great privilege to be allowed to introduce you to some of our more prominent citizens, sir.” “Thank you very much,” answered Winthrop. “The privilege will be mine, Major. Must you go?” “Yes, we mustn’t forget that you are not yet as strong as we hope to have you after you have been under the treatment of our climate for awhile, sir. Good-night, Mr. Winthrop. I have enjoyed our little talk, and it has been a pleasure to meet a gentleman of your attainments, sir.” “You are very good,” Winthrop replied. “It has been a pleasure to meet you, Major. And may I leave the negotiations in your hands?” “You may, sir. I hope to be able to inform you to-morrow that our plan is successful.” “Yes. And in regard to the price to be paid, Major; I’ll leave that entirely with you as I haven’t any idea what is right.” “You may do so, sir. And possibly some day at your convenience you will drop in at my office and we will attend to the matter of the new lease?” “With pleasure, Major. Good-night, sir.” Winthrop remained at the door until the Major had reached the lower hall. Then he closed it and, hands in his pockets, returned to the fire-place and stared frowningly into the coals. Mechanically he reached his pipe from the mantel and lighted it with an ember. And presently, as he smoked, the frown disappeared and he laughed softly. “Of all the ridiculous situations!” he muttered. VI.