“Ah,” smiled Sir John, “I see you want something definite.” “I have come two thousand miles to get it. The people that sent me will be content with nothing else. It is a serious time with us, and I believe with the whole of the Dominion.” “Mr. Macdonald,” said Sir John, becoming suddenly grave, “believe me, it is a more serious time than you know, but you trust me in this matter.” “Will the road be begun this year?” said Ranald. “All I can say to-day, Mr. Macdonald,” said Sir John, earnestly, “is this, that if I can bring it about, the building of the road will be started at once.” “Then, Sir John,” said Ranald, “you may depend that British Columbia will be grateful to you,” and the interview was over. Outside the room, he found Captain De Lacy awaiting him. “By Jove, Macdonald, I have been waiting here three-quarters of an hour. Come along. Maimie has an afternoon right on, and you are our lion.” Ranald would have refused, but De Lacy would not accept any apology, and carried him off. Maimie's rooms were crowded with all the great social and political people of the city. With an air of triumph, De Lacy piloted Ranald through the crowd and presented him to Maimie. Ranald was surprised to find himself shaking hands with the woman he had once loved, with unquickened pulse and nerves cool and steady. Here Maimie, who was looking more beautiful than ever, and who was dressed in a gown of exquisite richness, received Ranald with a warmth that was almost enthusiastic. “How famous you have become, Mr. Macdonald,” she said, offering him her hand; “we are all proud to say that we know you.” “You flatter me,” said Ranald, bowing over her hand. “No, indeed. Every one is talking of the young man from the West. And how handsome you are, Ranald,” she said, in a low voice, leaning toward him, and flashing at him one of her old-time glances. “I am not used to that,” he said, “and I can only reply as we used to in school, 'You, too.'” “Oh, now you flatter me,” cried Maimie, gayly; “but let me introduce you to my dear friend, Lady Mary Rivers. Lady Mary, this is Mr. Macdonald from British Columbia, you know.” “Oh, yes,” said Lady Mary, with a look of intelligence in her beautiful dark eyes, “I have heard a great deal about you. Let me see, you opposed separation; saved the Dominion, in short.” “Did I, really?” said Ranald, “and never knew it.” “You see, he is not only famous but modest,” said Maimie; “but that is an old characteristic of his. I knew Mr. Macdonald a very long time ago.” “Very,” said Ranald. “When we were quite young.” “Very young,” replied Ranald, with great emphasis. “And doubtless very happy,” said Lady Mary. “Happy,” said Ranald, “yes, so happy that I can hardly bear to think of those days.” “Why so?” inquired Lady Mary. “Because they are gone.” “But all days go and have to be parted with.”