"
"Then I wonder whether you will find this more interesting: 'The bears
made a determined rally yesterday, and wheat moved back again. There
was later in the day a rush to sell, and prices now stand at almost two
cents below their lowest level.'"
"Yes," said Maud Barrington, noticing the sudden intentness of his
pallid face. "I do. It is serious news for you?"
"And for you! You see where I have led you. Ill or well, I must start
for Winnipeg to-morrow."
Maud Barrington smiled curiously. "You and I and a handful of others
stand alone, but I told you I would not blame you whether we won or
lost. Do you know that I am grateful for the glimpses of the realities
of life that you have given me?"
Winston felt his pulses throb faster, for the girl's unabated
confidence stirred him, but he looked at her gravely. "I wonder if you
realize what you have given me in return? Life as I had seen it was
very grim and bare--and now I know what, with a little help, it is
possible to make of it."
"With a little help?" said Maud Barrington.
Winston nodded, and his face which had grown almost wistful hardened.
"Those who strive in the pit are apt to grow blind to the best--the
sweetness and order, and all the little graces that mean so much. Even
if their eyes are opened, it is usually too late. You see, they lose
touch with all that lies beyond the struggle, and without some one to
lead them they cannot get back to it. Still, if I talk in this fashion
you will laugh at me, but every one has his weakness now and then--and
no doubt I shall make up for it at Winnipeg to-morrow.
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