she grouped her desire for information into this
vague generalization; I could see my way as long as she was not too
specific. But some further intimate knowledge respecting this pretty
young lady was imminently in store for me.

"Miss Cooper," said I, "I am against no man--except the guilty one; and
even he, in a measure, has my sympathy."

"Then"--she was suddenly breathless--"in your estimation. Royal is _not_
the--the--not the guilty--"

My smile checked her. Alas, I was not to escape.

"You read a meaning into my speech that was not in my mind," I said--and
immediately regretted it. Her countenance at once reflected a deep
concern.

"Please, please, Mr. Swift, don't be inscrutable with me," she pleaded.

I thrilled at the wistful light in her handsome blue eyes, and I looked
longingly at the wavy brown tresses and at the scarlet lips, now eagerly
parted and revealing a glimpse of pearly perfection beyond. Such
delectable realities were quite unknown in my lonely life, and before
them the image of Miss Fluette's more highly colored and aggressive
beauty faded away to a mere blur.

"Miss Cooper," I rejoined, with perhaps unnecessary warmth, "heaven
forbid that I should not be frank with you. The truth is, I 'm sorely
perplexed. It did not require this appeal from you to spur me on to find
a way for Mr. Maillot out of his predicament, for undeniably--whether by
his own fault or by accident--he 's in a very serious one. Maybe, if you
will state more definitely just what you want to know, I can then tell
you."

The expressive eyes thanked me, then suddenly twinkled with a gleam of
humor.

"Even a mere man," she sagely remarked, "could not have remained blind to
the fact that Belle and Royal--foolish children!--are awfully fond of
each other."

"Your assumption of mature wisdom is eminently becoming," said I,
"because it is so apparent."

"My!" she retorted. "I really believe you improve with acquaintance."

"Thanks," I said; "I need encouragement."

"On the contrary," she said coolly, "I think a snubbing is what you need."

I dodged. "Yes," said I, "I could not help noticing that their affection
is--er--rather immoderate."

Instantly a tiny line appeared between her brows; she was all seriousness
again.

"There you have my interest in this matter--my reason for meddling," she
informed me. "Belle's welfare means a great deal to me; just how much
you can perhaps best understand after heari