“Confound it all!” and Sinclair stamped his right foot upon the floor.  “I’d like to know what’s coming over people, anyway.  Things are getting so mysterious these days that I’m about crazy trying to puzzle matters out.”

“Don’t try, father, dear,” Lois soothed, placing her arms about his neck.  “You must not make yourself worse by worrying over such things now.  Supper is all ready, and Mrs. Bean is waiting for us, so let us forget all about such matters for the present.”

Jasper stayed for a while that evening, and before leaving he made arrangements with Lois to take her to church in the morning, and then they would stop at the Haven for dinner.  That was the beginning of a most delightful time for Lois and Jasper.  Every fine Sunday he called for her, and pleasant were the drives they had together.

When Mr. Sinclair was well enough he moved with his daughter into his own house.  Lois and Betty had spent several days getting it in order and thoroughly warmed.  It was really a comfort to be here, and for the first time he expressed his pleasure to Lois.

“This is a comfort,” and he gave a sigh of relief as he sat in a big chair before a bright open fire.  “How large and roomy this house seems after living for so long at Mrs. Bean’s.  But she was good to us and I hope you sent her that money.”

“For the logs on her place?” Lois asked.

“Yes.  I made out a cheque the night I took ill, but she never got it.  This new one is larger and will somewhat pay her for the trouble we have been to her as well as for the logs.”

“I mailed it to-day, father, and Mrs. Bean should get it to-morrow.”

“That is good.  I feel more contented now.  But, see here, Lois, you will be very lonely now with only me to talk to.  Isn’t there any one who could come and visit us for a while?  It might brighten us both up.”

“I expect Margaret,” Lois replied.  “She said she would be delighted to come as soon as we moved into our own house.  Dick, you know, will bring her in the car just as soon as the roads are settled.  It will be so nice to have her.”

“Do you think Mr. Randall will forsake us now?” Mr. Sinclair asked.

“Why, what makes you think that he will?” Lois replied.

“I was afraid he might, that’s all.  I like that young man.  But he has peculiar ideas, and will not go where he thinks he is not wanted.”

Lois did not reply to these words.  She was sitting by her father’s side sewing, and she went on calmly with her work.  But she was thinking of the great change that had come over her father since his illness.  He was so gentle and considerate, and was more companionable than she had ever known him to be.  It caused her great joy of heart, and she was so thankful now that she had not left him when he had made life so miserable for her.  She was thankful as well that he liked Jasper and welcomed his visits to the house.  She, too, had wondered if he would come as often as he did to Mrs. Bean’s.  When Margaret arrived he might think that he was not needed and would stay away.