when Gordon spoke of it, he put it by with a smile.

"Oh, I am very well. We need not worry about my troubles. I have but
two: that old wound, and Old Age; both are incurable."

Gordon was very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce his father
to Mrs. Yorke and Miss Alice. As he scanned the thin, fine face with its
expression of calm and its lines of fortitude, he felt that it was a
good card to play. His resemblance to the man-in-armor that hung in the
old dining-room had increased.

The General and Miss Alice promptly became great friends. He treated her
with a certain distinction that pleased her. Mrs. Yorke, too, was both
pleased and flattered by his gracious manner. She was, however, more
critical toward him than her daughter was.

General Keith soon discovered Gordon's interest in the young girl. It
was not difficult to discover, for every moment of his spare time was
devoted to her in some way. The General observed them with a quiet smile
in his eyes. Now and then, however, the smile died out as he heard
Gordon expressing views which were somewhat new to him. One evening they
were all seated on the verandah together, and Gordon began to speak of
making a fortune as a high aim. He had heard Mrs. Yorke express the same
sentiments a few days before.

"My son," said his father, gently, looking at him with grave eyes, "a
fortune is a great blessing in the hands of the man who knows how to
spend it. But riches considered as something to possess or to display is
one of the most despicable and debasing of all the aims that men
can have."