“I would give a good deal to know their history,” he resumed, after a little.  “It is the greatest mystery—­their being here.  The man shows culture and familiarity with men and things; he is unusually keen and shrewd in business matters, while the way he has managed his daughter’s education betrays the scholar and a mind of no ordinary power and ability; and to be here, working with the common herd in a mine! I do not understand it!”

While he was speculating thus regarding his new friends, Mr. Abbot and Virgie were engaged in the same manner with reference to him.

“Well, Virgie, I have sold my claim, and for a generous sum, too.  Mr. Heath is no haggler, and gave me my price without a demur; but I think that it is very queer that a young man of his stamp should care to engage in any such business.”

“It is rather strange,” Virgie admitted, absently.

“He is far above the people with whom he will come in contact,” continued her father.  “He has evidently been accustomed to the very best of society, is well educated and fine appearing, and seems to have an abundance of means.  What do you make of him, dear?”

“I should say that he is very much of a gentleman, papa,” replied the young girl, flushing, as she remembered their walk of the previous evening, the care and attention which he had bestowed upon her, and the delight which she had experienced in his presence.

“Yes, that goes without saying; but, does he seem like an American to you?”

“I had not given a thought to his nationality,” Virgie answered, looking up curiously.

“Well, it strikes me that he may be English, although there is nothing in his speech or manner to betray it.  He is built like an Englishman, and somehow the idea has taken possession of me that he belongs over the water, and so, his desire to settle here seems all the more incomprehensible.”

“It may be a whim—­a romantic desire to learn something of a miner’s life,” observed Virgie; “or,” with more animation, “he may be an author, papa, and is taking this way to study certain phases of character with reference to writing a book.”

“Well, Virgie,” said Mr. Abbot, smiling, “I must confess that is the most reasonable explanation that could suggest itself, and possibly, with your woman’s intuition, you have hit upon the right solution of the mystery.  Yes,” after a thoughtful pause, “I shouldn’t wonder if you were right.  His saying that he did not intend to work the mine himself goes to show that it is a secondary object, and he does not care particularly about the profit of it.  He is very pleasant company.  I believe his coming has done me good.”

“I am sure it has,” Virgie answered, brightly; “and papa, now that your mind is relieved of all pecuniary care, don’t you think you will continue to improve?”

“No, Virgie,” her father returned, gravely; “do not allow my temporary improvement to deceive you.  A fatal disease has fastened itself upon me, and I know that I have not long to live.”