“Yes, but we had a break. We had a falling-out the evening you left Beauna Vista. We were watering our horses, sheltered from your sight by the hemlock bushes. I made a remark about Mr. Sharp, in connection with the church, which offended her.” “Yes, she is very loyal to the church; but the church has hardly kept its pledges to her in her trouble. I did not know that there were any disinterested witnesses of my difference with Sharp, else I might have proceeded differently.” “But now I must do my errand,” resumed Hulbert. “I came to see you because Miss Boardman could not come, and she wishes your advice. Zechariah Baldwin, for the Papyrus Electric Street Railway Company, has offered her three thousand dollars in settlement for her father’s death.” “The company acknowledges its liability, then?” “Yes; the only question is as to the amount which shall be paid.” “Isn’t Congressman Baldwin a stockholder in the company?” “Yes; he is the heaviest stockholder.” “Of course, you know that the State of Massachusetts, some years ago, obeying the demands of the railroad corporations, which were killing a great many people, made a law that not more than five thousand dollars could be collected for a human life, lost through the fault of a railroad corporation. It’s an infamous law, but it’s there, all the same.” “Miss Boardman wants your advice as to whether she shall accept the three thousand dollars.” “Has she called upon Congressman Baldwin?” “No, and she will not do so. She has too much independence for that. She will not go to him.” “Tell Lena not to be in a hurry, to wait a few days, and I will see if I can do anything for her.” “All right; if you can help her any she will do the fair thing by you. She ought to receive much more than they offer her. Good night.”