.There's no young man to compare with you, hereabouts. An'
this girl -- she'll have all the spunk of the
Auchinclosses."

"Then maybe she'd not be such a catch, after all," replied
Dale.

"Wal, you've no cause to love them, that's sure. But, Milt,
the Auchincloss women are always good wives."

"Dear Auntie, you're dreamin'," said Dale, soberly. "I want
no wife. I'm happy in the woods."

"Air you goin' to live like an Injun all your days, Milt
Dale?" she queried, sharply.

"I hope so."

"You ought to be ashamed. But some lass will change you,
boy, an' mebbe it'll be this Helen Rayner. I hope an' pray
so to thet."

"Auntie, supposin' she did change me. She'd never change old
Al. He hates me, you know."

"Wal, I ain't so sure, Milt. I met Al the other day. He
inquired for you, an' said you was wild, but he reckoned men
like you was good for pioneer settlements. Lord knows the
good turns you've done this village! Milt, old Al doesn't
approve of your wild life, but he never had no hard feelin's