“Your life has been an eventful one,” said Mills interestedly. “Mrs. De Vere’s has,” her husband returned soberly. “Jack told me that you were at the office to-day.” “Yes, I wanted to see you on some business connected with your mountain preserve.” For some inexplicable reason, Granny at8 this juncture entered the room, leaning on Eletheer. Mills sprang to offer her a chair, and as soon as she was seated Eletheer left the room. 8 “A charming family, De Vere,” said Mills. “A God-fearing one,” returned Granny, “all except Eletheer have accepted the Word of God, which is cause for great thankfulness.” “God is good. His ways are inscrutable. Let us trust that the remaining lamb may be received into the fold,” said Mills reverently. “She is a good child, but wilfully in error, I fear,” replied the old lady wiping her glasses. “Cornelia is a true De Vere and even at her age the family traits are pronounced in her.” Mills moved uneasily. “We were discussing Mr. De Vere’s preserve on the mountain back of this house,” he remarked. “I should like to erect a sanitarium on it.” “Eletheer has set her heart on that mining claim, and I think she ought to have it,” said her grandmother. 9 “As a mining claim, it is worthless. Experts say that gold is there but not in sufficient quantities to pay for mining. Instead of chasing a phantom, would it not be better to erect an institution where the sick and suffering may be benefited by the medicinal springs and balsamic air of these mountains?” Mills replied. 9 “That is just what she proposes doing.” “But it takes money,” he answered with a sinister smile which no one saw. “Several charitable New York men are interested in the scheme and wish to negotiate through me for the purchase.” The old lady was momentarily won and Mills, seeing his advantage, continued: “The company wish to begin operations as soon as possible. That is what brings me into the country at this season of the year.” “Well,” said Mr. De Vere, “there are reasons which must be carefully
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