easons. I must admit that your present
declarations are very extraordinary; perhaps they will not seem so
after you 've recounted all the circumstances." And I added a bit
grimly: "I'm growing impatient to hear what moved you to come here last
night at all."

Once more the friendly blue eyes met mine, and I felt better for their
encouragement. But Maillot's look became momentarily apprehensive.

"You already know what my most cherished hope and ambition is," he went
on, with a glance at Miss Fluette. Their frequent frank exchange of
ardent looks would have made that ambition plain, had I not already
been apprised of it. "I 'm fairly well off by reason of a small
inheritance from my father, and I 'm just beginning to make certain my
foothold in my profession: prospects as good as most young men can
boast of, I don't hesitate to say.

"Our engagement, though, has never met the approval of Belle's father.
But that fails to express it: he has been actively opposed to me from
the very start. We had the support of Mrs. Fluette, however, and so
remained hopeful--until one week ago to-night."

He paused, staring gloomily at the table; and both the young ladies now
sat with downcast eyes and sober expressions clouding their pretty
faces, fairly enveloping the young fellow in their silent sympathy.
Lucky chap! Maillot should have stood a good deal, uncomplainingly,
too, for their deep interest in his welfare.

He looked up in a moment, and proceeded.

"At that time matters reached a crisis. Last Wednesday evening I
called, as I had been in the habit of doing whenever I found an
opportunity; and just as I was departing Mr. Fluette sent word to me to
come to his study before I left. For a bit we thought he had relented,
but on reflection I could n't entertain the idea; so, much dispirited,
I went at once to see him.

"He was walking up and down before the fire, and, further than to nod
his head toward a chair in a curt invitation for me to be seated, he
said nothing for several minutes, but continued to pace thoughtfully
back and forth between me and the hearth, as if pondering the best
means of opening his mind to me.

"At last he wheeled about midway in his promenade, and bluntly fired
his first question.

"'Why do you continue coming here?'" said he.

"The question stung me--of course it did; but I determined to keep my
temper at any cost, and before I left, to find out at least one
specific, definite reaso