Halloran had never seen her in such spirits. It was slowly coming to him that this was neither of the Margarets he had known in the past. He had never seen her so well, for one thing; and now, besides, she was happy. And all the playful tenderness, the mischief, the devotion of her honest heart were his. Was it a wonder, then, that she captivated him as never before? That her fancy played about him, and led his wits such a mad, happy chase that it was she, at the last, who had to tell him that the carriage was waiting for them and that they really must go! And as they rolled along toward the village--as the first mile-post gleamed in the moonlight and slipped away behind them; as the rushing Panther Kill roared a moment in their ears and then, too, slipped behind; as they passed the quarry and came slowly in sight of the red and green lights of the railroad, Halloran's heart failed him. They were on the back seat of the mountain wagon, deep in the shadow; she was in his arms for the last time until--when? They were dropping into silence as the parting drew near. “Margaret,” he whispered, “I've been thinking--I can't go to-night--it's no use.” “No, John, don't go.” “We'll turn around--we'll go to-morrow night--you and your mother can start then, too--we'll all go West together. I'll wire Crosman to begin selling. Yes, we'll drive on to the station, and I'll send the message.” “I'm afraid, John, I couldn't get mother ready to go to-morrow. You don't quite understand--it would unsettle her dreadfully to get ready and go all in a rush like that. She has her mind made up for two weeks more--and I'm afraid I couldn't shorten it to less than one. Stay a week; it isn't much. You deserve a vacation. Mr. Crosman won't mind.” The little imp already had his hands on the reins; but at the sound of the whistle, far up the Shandaken Valley, Halloran roused. “I don't know what I'm thinking of, Margaret. They need me there. Good-by; don't say anything--I'm afraid I'll stay. Good-by.” “Good--good-by, John. Write to me.” She saw him on the train; she walked to the end of the platform to wave when his car passed; and then, deep in the gloom of the night, she walked slowly back to the carriage. Halloran sent a message on ahead, and Crosman, all excitement, met him at the station. “It's all over, Mr. Halloran,” he burst out, as they shook hands. “Mr. Corrigan's been down here to see you about advancing prices to cover losses.” “We don't need to advance prices. We haven't lost anything.” “Well--he only went back last night. He says he hopes you'll write him.” “I'll see to it. Does Mr. Higginson know?” “Only what Mamie could tell him. He wants to see you. I asked the doctor about it, and he says you can go in if you have some good news for him; if you haven't, you'd better stay away. I told him I guessed there wasn't much doubt about that.” “I'll go over after supper.”