I have seen a look on your face sometimes, which, it seemed to me, if set
to words would say: 'I would give anything in the world to be out of this
and back once more free in my native land.' It worries me, and I want to
ask you if something cannot be done to make your life here more
pleasant."

"Why, my dear madam," said Sedgwick, "I never was half so kindly
entertained before as I have been in your house. There is nothing
lacking, nothing; and when I think of ever returning all this kindness
my gratitude is made bankrupt."

"Still, you have something on your mind. Is it a business trouble? Will
you not test our friendship in real truth?" asked the lady.

Sedgwick looked at her seriously a moment, and said: "I have something,
but it is not business, that distresses me. But, were I to tell you, it
would test your friendship indeed."

"Well," responded the lady, "I want to know it. I hope we can help you."

"Mrs. Hamlin," said Sedgwick, "I was reared a farmer's son. I was a wild
boy, I guess. I left school with education not yet completed--left under
a cloud, but no disgrace attached to my leaving. I went to Texas and was
a cowboy for a year. From there I wandered west, learned the occupation
of mining; for four years almost every day I have been underground. I met
Jack: we were friends; how close at last you do not know. We started
east; he accompanied me to my childhood's home. After a brief visit I
came with him to his. I have been three weeks under your roof; I am bound
by a promise to remain until Jack's marriage, and, in the meantime, in
spite of myself, I, the farmer, the cowboy, and the miner, have dared to