Jack smiled gravely, as he replied, "I have endeavored to help her as best I could under existing conditions, and notwithstanding the fact that the ways and means have been exceedingly restricted, she has proven herself an apt pupil, and has made good progress." "Indeed she has," said Miss Gladden, "and with her ability, it seems a pity that she should not have every possible advantage." "To me," he replied, "it seems a great pity that so much of her life has already been spent among such disadvantages, the greater part of the most valuable portion of her life wasted." "Not entirely wasted," said Miss Gladden, "for what you have taught her will be of inestimable value to her always." "Yes, indeed!" exclaimed Lyle, "what would my life have been without you?" "I have laid the foundation so far as I was able," said Jack, smiling, "but it was time, long ago, for the superstructure to be builded." "One reason why I wish to see you," continued Miss Gladden, "was to ask you what you would think of the feasibility of my taking Lyle east with me, when I return." "If you are willing to do that, Miss Gladden," said Jack, slowly, "I can see nothing in the way of its practicability except to gain the consent of Mr. and Mrs. Maverick, and that might prove a formidable obstacle." "He does not call them her parents," thought Miss Gladden, "does he know she is not their child?" Jack continued. "If it had not been for that difficulty, I would gladly myself have furnished the means for a moderate education for Lyle, but I knew Maverick's decided objection to her possessing even the most rudimentary knowledge. I am of the opinion also, though I may be in error, that he would not allow her to leave home." "You are right, Jack," said Lyle, "if I were to wait for his consent, I would never leave here, or have any advantages." "May I inquire," said Jack, addressing Miss Gladden, "at what time you expect to return east?" A faint color tinged Miss Gladden's cheek, as she replied: "I have not yet decided just when I will go east, but probably the latter part of the summer." "Ah, well," he answered, with a slight smile, "I hope that between now and that time, some arrangement can be made to Lyle's advantage; but if I may make any suggestion, it would be this; that nothing be said at present regarding this subject to either Mr. or Mrs. Maverick, as it would only arouse their opposition, and perhaps lead to some unpleasant results." After a few moments' further conversation, Miss Gladden thanked Jack for his kindness, and rose to go. At the door they found Mike, and while Lyle chatted merrily with the witty Irishman for a moment, Miss Gladden turned toward Jack, saying in a low tone: "I would like to have a talk with you regarding Lyle, some time when she is not present; may I come and see you by myself some day?" "Certainly," he responded, "I would be pleased to see you."