"That might change his plans." "I think not. He loves America, and the woman he loves is here. He will return. Come! Let's to sleep." The going of Kenneth Hastings brought a shadow over the household. His departure was likewise the signal for frequent calls from Lord Kelwin. It grew more apparent that he felt a marked interest in the teacher. But whether she felt a corresponding interest in him, no one could have determined. A few times she went horseback riding with him. He assured her she was becoming an excellent horsewoman. Lord Kelwin now became a constant attendant at the meetings of the club, on all of which occasions he was Esther's self-appointed escort. Once he ventured a remark about how it happened that a woman of her rank and fortune and accomplishments should be teaching in a mining camp. "My rank? My fortune? My accomplishments?" she repeated, mystified. "Yes," he said, patronizingly, "a lady of rank and fortune. I have met several Americans of fortune,--great fortune,--in London and Paris--ah--I--" "But I am not a woman of rank and fortune, Lord Kelwin. I am just a plain working woman." He did not observe the amused smile about her eyes and mouth. "You are not likely to find women of rank and fortune in a mining camp." "It's wonderful how much these American heiresses think of titles, don't you know, Miss Bright. Why, a man of rank can marry almost any American girl he pleases." "Just so," she assented. "He wins a fortune to pay his debts, and squander otherwise; and she wins a title, dragged into the dust by a degenerate nobleman, plus enough unhappiness to make her miserable the rest of her life. An interesting business proposition, truly!" "Why, really, Miss Bright,--ah--I--ah--I fear you grow sarcastic." "_Really!_ Did you discern any approach to sarcasm in my remarks? I am surprised!" He was not prepared for the mockery in her voice, nor for something about her that made him feel that she was his superior. Before he could formulate a suitable reply, one quite in accord with his sentiments and feelings, she continued: "We shall doubtless live to see a social evolution. The American man of genius, and force, and character is too intent on his great task of carving out a fortune, or winning professional or artistic distinction, to give his days and nights to social life. "Now there are noblewomen of the Old World who are women of real distinction, vastly superior to many men of their class, and who have not been spoiled by too great wealth simply because their profligate brothers have squandered the family fortunes. "Now it occurs to me that it might be a great thing for the progress of the human race, if the finest noblewomen of the Old World, who are women of intellect, and culture, and character, should seek in marriage our men of brains and character. "The time has come when the American man of the highest type needs something more than a fashion plate or a tailor's model for his mate."