predicting to-night that, in spite of the town-meeting returns, the proposed bill for consolidation will not go through.  Judge Bass is a man of such remarkable personality that he has regained at a stroke much of the influence that he lost by the sudden and unaccountable retirement which electrified the state some months since.  His reappearance, the news of which was the one topic in all political centres yesterday, is equally unaccountable.  It is hinted that some action on the part of Isaac D. Worthington has brought Jethro Bass to life.  They are known to be bitter enemies, and it is said that Jethro Bass has but one object in returning to the field—­to crush the president of the Truro Railroad.  Another theory is that the railroads and interests opposed to the consolidation have induced Judge Bass to take charge of their fight for them.  All indications point to the fiercest struggle the state has ever seen in June, when the Legislature meets.  The Tribune, whose sentiments are well known to be opposed to the iniquity of consolidation, extends a hearty welcome to the judge.  No state, we believe, can claim a party leader of a higher order of ability than Jethro Bass.”

Cynthia dropped the paper in her lap, and sat very still.  This, then, was what happened when Jethro had heard of her dismissal—­he had left Coniston without writing her a word and passed through Brampton without seeing her.  He had gone back to that life which he had abandoned for her sake; the temptation had been too strong, the desire for vengeance too great.  He had not dared to see her.  And yet the love for her which had been strong enough to make him renounce the homage of men, and even incur their ridicule, had incited him to this very act of vengeance.

What should she do now, indeed?  Had those peaceful and happy Saturdays and Sundays in Coniston passed away forever?  Should she follow him to the capital and appeal to him?  Ah no, she felt that were a useless pain to them both.  She believed, now, that he had gone away from her for all time, that the veil of limitless space was set between, them.  Silently she arose,—­so silently that Ephraim, dozing by the fire, did not awake.  She went into her own room and wept, and after many hours fell into a dreamless sleep of sheer exhaustion.

The days passed, and the weeks; the snow ran from the brown fields, and melted at length even in the moist crotches under the hemlocks of the northern slopes; the robin and bluebird came, the hillsides were mottled with exquisite shades of green, and the scent of fruit blossom and balm of Gilead was in the air.  June came as a maiden and grew into womanhood.  But Jethro Bass did not return to Coniston.

CHAPTER XVII