'I do not see how it is to be taken figuratively,' said Dane looking at it. 'Why it means, of course, that we are to be kind to the poor.' 'But kinder to the rich? That looks like turning the figure topsy turvy; and in that case you get a view which can hardly be called correct.' Hazel had left the tea-table now, and come softly up, taking a low seat half behind Prim's chair, leaning her head against it. In the shadow there she was looking and listening. 'It is a choice of invitations, that is all,' said Dr. Arthur. 'The Lord returns all the civilities shewn to poor people—and rich men return their own. That is the only difference.' 'That is the comfort I have when anybody shews me kindness,' said Dr. Maryland, with a wonderful, simple, bright smile, rising as he spoke. 'I am one of the Lord's poor people; so I am never troubled about the returns. Come, my children—we have four miles in the snow before us.' CHAPTER XXIV. ONE AND ONE ARE TWO. 'They will never agree, those two!' said Prudentia Coles, the next morning at breakfast. 'They will agree perfectly!' said Primrose. Good Dr. Maryland lifted his eyebrows in astonishment at both utterances. 'Their ways were too different,' said Mrs. Coles. 'Their ways will be alike,' said Prim. 'Of course, their ways will be _one_,' said the doctor. But he was very old-fashioned. And people do not change their natures because they happen to love one another, nor even because they happen to be married. Still less! There happened to be a run of very bad weather for several days after the two persons concerned arrived in New York. That did not indeed hinder business in Wall street and elsewhere, but it put an effective barrier to pleasure seeking out of doors. The best and most exclusive appointments of the best hotel, did not quite replace Chickaree, during the long days which Hazel perforce had to spend by herself. At last there came a morning when the sun shone. 'What have you got to do to-day?' Rollo asked her. 'One trunk to fill for other people, and two for myself.' 'Sounds large! Can you do it in a day?' 'I am an adept at filling trunks.' 'Let me see your purse.' 'O that needs no looking after,' said Hazel, flushing up. 'I only want to see it,' said Dane smiling. 'Not to rifle it. I want to see what sort of a thing you carry.' The "things" were two, and very like Hazel; a pocket-book and purse of the daintiest possible description. Various coins shewed through the gold meshes of the one; the Russia leather of the other told no tales. Rollo turned them over, half smiling to himself. 'Is there enough here for to-day's work?' 'I have Mr. Falkirk's cheque for my last quarter's allowance. I generally make that do,' said Hazel. 'Doesn't your stock need supplementing?' 'No, thank you,' she said softly and shyly.