The talk was breezy as was inevitable with Raymond. He had graduated at a great northern university in June, had any amount of _sang froid_ and had as yet caught no glimpse of life save as a field for pleasure. "What do you think of Miss Nancy?" he inquired enthusiastically. "Isn't she the prettiest thing going? I have seen them north, south, east, and west, but I honestly believe I never saw a sweeter flower growing than Nancy Follet!" he went on without waiting for Steve to answer his question, so a smile was all the response which seemed necessary. "I came here," went on Raymond, "to look after a land proposition for father. They say there's lots of valuable coal and iron ore about here. I've dipped a good deal into that sort of thing at college and father sent me up to make some tests for him, and if I found anything rich to take up a 'claim' instanter. I've been here three weeks and I haven't done a thing yet. Miss Nancy has fascinated me so, I haven't had eyes for sordid things. But there's plenty of time; no danger of anybody's rushing in ahead in this sleepy little burg." "I'm not so sure of that," returned Steve quietly. "You never know when somebody may slip in ahead of you. Business competition is a very lively thing I've been told, though I confess I don't know much about it," he ended easily. "Well, I've been getting a good bit of experience in business here and there, and I can tell that there's nobody hanging about here that has much business go." He had no intention of being personal and Steve bowed, smiling remotely. After some more desultory talk they separated and Steve went back to join Nancy on the porch where he thought he would find her. Raymond looked after him with a half smile. "Poor old Steve," he said to himself, "he's caught already, and the worst of it is, I am afraid he's got the best chance. She's a dear little chum with me, loves to sing to my tenor and laugh at my foolishness, but I noticed last night the blushes were for him." And his handsome face set into unusual, firm lines as he went on: "But I am going to win her! I'll do it in spite of him. To-night I'll walk off with her whether or no, and he'll think his case is lost, for he doesn't know girls, I can see that." And with restored confidence he went over to the store to visit Mr. Follet. He and Mr. Follet were on fine terms, and he spent an hour or so at the store every day. They seemed in fact to have some project in common requiring much consultation. Evening brought Raymond again to the Follet porch, and after a little music and general talk, turning to Mrs. Follet he said: "Mother Follet, won't you let us children, Miss Nancy and me, go for a little walk together? It is so hard for us to sit still." He said it with mock childishness that was irresistible, and without waiting for Mrs. Follet's consent, he laughingly grasped Nancy's hand and made off with her, whether or no.