“Does he say that?” asked Kate. “That's just what Colonel Thorp says his company are saying. But he stands up for Ranald even when he can't see that his way is the best. The colonel is not very sure about Ranald's schemes for the men, his reading-room, library, and that sort of thing. But I'm sure he will succeed.” But Kate's tone belied her confident words. Mrs. Murray noticed the anxiety in Kate's voice. “At least we are sure,” she said, gently, “that he will do right, and after all that is success.” “I know that right well,” replied Kate; “but it is hard for him out there with no one to help him or to encourage him.” Again Mrs. Murray looked at Kate, curiously. “It must be a terrible place,” Kate went on, “especially for one like Ranald, for he has no mind to let things go. He will do a thing as it ought to be done, or not at all.” Soon after this Kate gave her mind to her horses, and in a short time headed them for home. “What a delightful drive we have had,” said Mrs. Murray, gratefully, as Kate took her upstairs to her room. “I hope I have not worried you with my dismal forebodings,” she said, with a little laugh. “No, dear,” said Mrs. Murray, drawing her face down to the pillow where Kate had made her lay her head. “I think I understand,” she added, in a whisper. Then Kate laid her face beside that of her friend and whispered, “Oh, auntie, it is so hard for him”; but Mrs. Murray stroked her head softly and said: “There is no fear, Kate; all will be well with him.” Immediately after dinner Kate carried Mrs. Murray with her to her own room, and after establishing her in all possible comfort, she began to read extracts from Coley's letters. “Here is the first, auntie; they are more picturesque than elegant, but if you knew Coley, you wouldn't mind; you'd be glad to get any letter from him.” So saying Kate turned her back to the window, a position with the double advantage of allowing the light to fall upon the paper and the shadow to rest upon her face, and so proceeded to read: