much of an Atwood as he is, and can be just as obstinate in doing what I know to be right as he can be in requiring a course that would spoil my life.  Millie, there never was a soldier, in all the past, braver than you have shown yourself to be, and you are a delicate girl that I could carry like a child.  Do you advise a young, strong-handed fellow to play the coward, and desert the women I love and honor in their sore need and danger?  You have looked on only one side of this question, and you must not think so meanly of me as to even suggest anything of the kind again.”

“Roger, Roger, can you realize what you are saying?” Mildred faltered, a slow, painful flush crimsoning her face.  “How can you honor those who are so disgraced?  You don’t know what papa has become.  The world will share your uncle’s views concerning us.”

“I do know all about your father, Millie, and I pity him from the depths of my soul.  He is the dark background which brings out your absolute truth and purity.  I do honor you and Mrs. Jocelyn as I honor my own mother, and I intend to prove myself worthy of your respect at least, for its loss would be fatal to me.  I even honor your rare fidelity, though it stands so awfully in my way.  Now, surely, we understand each other.  But, come, this is far too serious talk for a restaurant and the supper-table.  I am now going to give my whole soul to oysters, and I adjure you by our bonds to do the same.  Here’s to our friendship, Millie, and may I be choked the moment I’m false to it!” and he drained a generous cup of coffee.

“You won’t listen to me, then,” she said, with a face wherein perplexity, relief, and gratitude were blended.

“I won’t listen to a word that will make me the most miserable wretch in the world, and you won’t get rid of me as long as I live.  So, there, you might as well submit to fate and eat your oysters.”

Her expression became very grave and resolute.  “Roger,” she said slowly, “I did not know there was so kind and true a man in the world.  I will do anything that you can ask.”

His eyes suddenly became infinitely wistful and tender, and then he gave himself a little characteristic shake as he said, rather brusquely, “I accept that promise, and shall at once tax it to the utmost with the request that you eat a jolly good supper and call on me every time I can aid you.”

Her glance in response warmed his soul, and then she gave herself up to social friendliness in a way which proved that a great burden had been taken from her heart.  On their way home, however, she hinted her fears in regard to Belle, and Roger understood her thoroughly.  For the next few days he watched the young girl, and soon satisfied himself as to the character of the man who was pursuing her.  His object now was to obtain some ground for brotherly interference, and one Saturday evening, while following Belle home, he saw a young man join her and receive an undoubted welcome.  He soon became aware that matters were progressing fast and far, for the young people wandered off into unfrequented streets, and once, where the shadows were deepest, he saw Belle’s attendant steal his arm about her waist and kiss her.  Belle’s protest was not very vigorous, and when at last they parted in the passageway that led to Belle’s home the kiss was repeated and not resented at all.