“Now, Jack,” said Annie, when they had reached Mr. Chatford’s orchard, and stopped beside the little brook that kept up its low liquid babble in the dark shadows that half concealed it, “I have heard your own story, and I can’t say that I blame you very much for anything you have done. You have acted naturally, but not always wisely. No doubt so much money appeared a great fortune to you, and of course something very desirable. But I am by no means sure it would have been a good thing for you to have. I’m afraid your head would have been turned by it. You were doing well enough before. You were sure of a good living, a good home, and a chance for yourself, as I have heard you say with honest pride so many times.”