Guy felt the blood prickling at the roots of his hair, but he answered truthfully, as he believed: “Yes, true as steel;” while the generous thought came over him that he would further the doctor’s plans all he possibly could. “Then I am satisfied,” the doctor rejoined; “and as you have rather assumed the position of Maddy’s guardian or brother, I ask your permission to offer her the love which, whether she accepts it or not, is hers.” Guy had never fell a sharper pang than that which now thrilled through every nerve, but he would not prove false to the friend confiding in him, and he answered calmly. “You have my consent; but, Doc, better put it off till you see her at Aikenside. There’s no chance at the cottage, with those three old people. I wonder she don’t go wild. I’m sure I should.” Guy was growing rather savage about something but the doctor did not mind; and grasping his arm as he arose, he said: “And you’ll manage it for me, Guy? You know how. I don’t. You’ll contrive for me to see her alone, and maybe say a word beforehand in my favor.” “Yes, yes, I’ll manage it. I’ll fix it right. Don’t forget, day after to-morrow night. The Cutlers will be there, and, by the way, Maria has grown to be a splendid girl. She fancied you once, you know. Old Cutler is worth half a million.” And Guy tore himself away from the doctor, who, now that the ice was broken, would like to have talked of Maddy forever. But Guy was not thus inclined, and in a mood not extremely amiable, he threw himself into his sleigh and went dashing down toward Honedale. For some unaccountable reason, he was not now one bit interested in the party, and, were it not that a few of the invitations were issued, he would have been tempted to give it up. Guy did not know what ailed him. He only felt as if somebody had been meddling with his plans, and had he been in the habit of swearing he would probably have sworn: but as he was not he contented himself with driving like a second Jehu until he reached Honedale, where a pair of soft, brown eyes smiled up into his face, and a little warm hand was clasped in his, as Maddy came out to the gate to meet him.