Charles hesitated. Then he said: "I think you may tell her, Mike. I couldn't risk writing back, but I can trust you with that news of me. Give her my love, please, and tell her to kiss Ruth for me, and--and, well, tell her anything you like. She won't betray me. After all, I'm glad to be able in this way to relieve her mind." So closely were they occupied with their parting words that they failed to see a figure approaching from the direction of the house. It was Mary, and she was close to them when they heard her step and, turning, saw her. "Oh," she exclaimed, on seeing the stranger, "I thought it was one of my--" She checked herself abruptly. For a moment Charles stood as if dazed, and then recovered himself. "This is my friend, Michael Gilbreth," he said. "He is the one who aided us so substantially the other night." "Oh, and I have wanted so much to meet you--to thank you," said Mary. She held out both her hands to the astonished servant, and he awkwardly took them. "I'm pleased, I'm sure, miss, to meet you, but--but," he stammered, "you must not thank me. Mr. Charles is back of all that. You see, miss, it wasn't expense out of _my_ pocket--" "I know--I understand, but you kindly delivered it," Mary said. "And that was a great service. It may result in saving a human life and avert much misery and misfortune." "But, you see, I owed the money to Mr. Charles," Michael went on, simply. "He advanced it to me a long time ago when I was in need myself. He is always doing the like, miss, and it is strange, for the minute I pay him back out it goes to somebody else; but--" "Mike has just brought good news from Atlanta," Charles, hot with embarrassment, broke in. "Oh, have you?" Mary cried. Michael hesitated, looking at Charles, who answered for him: "Yes. The operation was highly successful. Keith's recovery is now practically assured." "Oh, that _is_ good news!" Mary cried, her eyes flashing with joy, and she prevailed upon Michael to tell her all the details. When he had concluded she looked toward the barn. "I must hurry and tell my--tell my brothers." She was starting away when she turned back. "You must stay with us, Mr. Gilbreth. We have plenty of room. Any friend of Mr. Brown's is welcome at our house." Michael threw an awkward glance at Charles and then said: "I thank you, miss, but I must hurry away. My time is up." "Then I'll say good-by." Mary held out her hands. "I shall never forget your kindness, and I wish you a long, happy life." The two men lapsed into silence as she flitted away in the gloom.