“And you were not always like that?” Lois asked.

“Oh, no.  Only recently have I come to view things in a different light.”

“What caused the change?”

“It was old David.”

“Old David!  I am surprised to hear you say that.  I had no idea that he was able to influence any one except Betty Bean.”

“He has influenced me as well, though it was all done unconsciously.  I have been watching him closely for some time, and ever since I have known him he has been so happy.  Even when he had not a cent and was sold to the lowest bidder, he did not lose heart.  And why?  Because he was thinking of others, and what his plans would do for the people both in the city and in the country.  He was willing to endure poverty and taunts that those around him might be benefited.  He was misunderstood, but it made little or no difference to him.  He was happy in the thought that he was going to do good.  To me he is a wonder, and I believe I can do no better than endeavour to follow his example and think less of myself.  When I entered into the employ of this new company I did it merely for the money I was to get out of it, and a certain spirit of curiosity as to the outcome.  Now, however, I am working with a far higher motive.  I begin to see what a benefit this undertaking will be to the entire community and a blessing to so many, even though at present they may not realise it.”

They had reached the gate leading to the Sinclair house by the time Jasper had finished.  The colour had returned to Lois’ cheeks, and her eyes were now filled with animation.

“Oh, I am so glad to hear you speak as you do,” she replied.  “It strengthens my own convictions to hear you express yourself that way, and I feel that I shall bear my part more bravely in the city than otherwise I would have done.”

Jasper’s pulse beat quicker at these words.  So she would think of him, then, in the midst of her active city life.  There was a great comfort to him in the thought.

“You will return next summer, I suppose,” he remarked.  “We shall miss you very much in the meantime.”

“I hope to do so, and it will be something to look forward to.  But you will surely come to see us when you visit the city.  I shall be so anxious to hear all the news from Creekdale.”

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure,” Jasper replied.  “But I do not expect to leave the woods before spring.  Even if business should take me to the city, I should not feel like making a social call.  I should frighten you and your friends who might happen to be with you by my rough clothes and hard hands.  Oh, no, it would not be proper, so I had better stay away.”

Lois was not slow in detecting the note of bitterness an his voice as he uttered these words.  She was aggrieved that he should think that his rough appearance would make any difference to her.  And yet she understood his feelings.  His sensitiveness would make him most unwilling to go to a place where he would be looked upon with ridicule, and at the same time embarrass the ones he happened to visit.