sorry, Miss Bellairs.”     

       “Nobody knows,” she murmured.     

       “Nobody shall through me.”     

       “You’re not very—? I’m very ashamed.”     

       “Why? And because of me! After what I’ve told you!”     

       Charlie rose suddenly.     

       “I’m not going to stand it,” he announced.     

       Dora looked up eagerly.     

       “What? You’re going to——?”     

       “I’m going to have a shot at it. Am I to stand by and see her——? I’m hanged if I do. Could that be right?”     

       “I should like to know what one’s duty is?”     

       “This talk with you has made me quite clear. We’ve reasoned it out, you see. They’re not to be married for two or three months. A lot can be done in that time.”     

       “Ah, you’re a man!”     

       “I shall write first. If that doesn’t do, I shall go to her.”     

       Dora shook her head mournfully.     

       “Now, look here, Miss Bellairs you don’t mind me advising you?”     

       “I ought not to have let you see, but as it is—”     

       “You do as I do, you stick to it. Confound it, you know, when one’s life’s happiness is at stake—”     

       “Oh, yes, yes!”     

       “One mustn’t be squeamish, must one?”     

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