"She would make a man of me. She puts strength and courage into me as noone else can. She is unlike any kid I ever saw; there's nosentimentality about her; she is wise, and kind, and sweet. She sayswhat she means, looks you straight in the eye, and is as truthful as steel.I've tried her, I know her, and--ah, Gerald, I love her so!"

Here the poor lad leaned his face into his arms and sighed a sigh thatmade his brother's heart ache.

"Upon my soul, Ned, I feel for you; and if there was no obstacle on herpart, I'd do my best for you. She loves Sydney, and so there is nothingfor it but to bear your fate like a man."

"Are you sure about Sydney? May it not be some one else?" and Ned eyedhis brother with a suspicious look.

Coventry told him all he knew and surmised concerning his friend, notforgetting the letter. Edward mused a moment, then seemed relieved, andsaid frankly, "I'm glad it's Sydney and not you. I can bear it better."