." Herbert admired his courage
and the attitude he had adopted.

"I shall certainly have to economize," Bland admitted; "and that is a
thing I'm not accustomed to; but I may get some appointment, and by and
by a small share in some family property will revert to me. Though I
must go straight back to my garrison duties now, I'll come down for an
hour or two and explain things to Sylvia, as soon as I can." He paused
and broke into a faint smile. "I dare say the surprise will be mutual;
she may have believed my means to be larger than they are."

"I should consider it very possible," replied Herbert dryly. "As I
must see Sylvia, I'll give her an idea how matters stand and clear the
ground for you."

Bland said that he would be glad of this; and after some further
conversation he took his leave and walked to the station, disturbed in
mind, but conscious of a little ironical amusement. There was no doubt
that Sylvia had cleverly deluded him, but he admitted that he had done
much the same thing to her. Had he realized the true state of her
affairs at the beginning he would have withdrawn; but he had no thought
of doing so now. It was obvious that Sylvia's principles were not very
high, and he regretted it, although he could not claim much superiority
in this respect. He was tolerant and, after all, she had a charm that
atoned for many failings.

It was three or four days later when he arrived at Mrs. Kettering's
house one evening and found Sylvia awaiting him in a room reserved for
her hostess's use. She was very becomingly dressed and looked, he
thought, even more attractive than usual. She submitted to his caress
with an air of resignation, but he augured a good deal from the fact
that she did not repulse him. As it happened, Sylvia had carefully
thought over the situation.

"Sit down," she said; "I want to talk with you."

"I think I'll stand. It's more difficult to feel penitent in a
comfortable position. It looks as if you had seen Herbert Lansing."

"I have." Sylvia's tone was harsh. "What have you to say for yourself?"

"Not a great deal, which is fortunate, because I haven't much time to
say it in," Bland told her with a smile. "To begin with, I'll state
the unflattering truth--it strikes me that, in one way, we're each as
bad as the other. I suppose it's one of my privileges to mention such
facts to you, though I'd never think of admitting them to anybody else."

"It's a husband's privilege,