“But it should not be hard, Colonel,” said Mrs. Murray, with sad earnestness, “to make even business men see that when honor is the price of dividends the cost is too great,” and without giving the colonel an opportunity of replying, she went on with eager enthusiasm to show how the laws of the kingdom of heaven might be applied to the great problems of labor. “And it would pay, Colonel,” she cried, “it would pay in money, but far more it would pay in what cannot be bought for money--in the lives and souls of men, for unjust and uncharitable dealing injures more the man who is guilty of it than the man who suffers from it in the first instance.” “Madam,” answered the colonel, gravely, “I feel you are right, and I should be glad to have you address the meeting of our share-holders, called for next month, to discuss the question of our western business.” “Do you mean Ranald's position?” asked Kate. “Well, I rather think that will come up.” “Then,” said Mrs. Murray, unconsciously claiming the colonel's allegiance, “I feel sure there will be one advocate at least for fair and honorable dealing at that meeting.” And the colonel was far too gallant to refuse to acknowledge the claim, but simply said: “You may trust me, madam; I shall do my best.” “I only wish papa were here,” said Kate. “He is a share-holder, isn't he? And wish he could hear you, auntie, but he and mamma won't be home for two weeks.” “Oh, Kate,” cried Mrs. Murray, “you make me ashamed, and I fear I have been talking too much.” At this point Harry came in. “I just came over to send you to bed,” he said, kissing his aunt, and greeting the others. “You are all to look your most beautiful to-morrow.” “Well,” said the colonel, slowly, “that won't be hard for the rest of you, and it don't matter much for me, and I hope we ain't going to lose our music.” “No, indeed!” cried Kate, sitting down at the piano, while the colonel leaned back in his easy chair and gave himself up to an hour's unmingled delight. “You have given more pleasure than you know to a wayfaring man,” he said, as he bade her good night. “Come again, when you are in town, you are always welcome, Colonel Thorp,” she said. “You may count me here every time,” said the colonel. Then turning to Mrs. Murray, with a low bow, he said, “you have given me some ideas madam, that I hope may not be quite unfruitful, and as for that young man of yours, well--I--guess--you ain't--hurt his cause any. We'll put up a fight, anyway.” “I am glad to have met you, Colonel Thorp,” said Mrs. Murray, “and I am quite sure you will stand up for what is right,” and with another bow the colonel took his leave.