't do it--either one of you."

The young woman took a step toward Kirby, hands outstretched in dumb
pleading. She gave him her soft, appealing eyes, a light of proud
humility in them.

"Don't do it!" she begged. "He's your own cousin--and my husband. I
love him. Perhaps there's some woman that loves you. If there is,
remember her and be merciful."

His eyes softened. It was the first time he had seen her taken out of
her selfishness. She was one of those modern young women who take, but
do not give. At least that had been his impression of her. She had
specialized, he judged, in graceful and lovely self-indulgence. A part
of her code had been to get the best possible bargain for her charm and
beauty, and as a result of her philosophy of life time had already
begun to enamel on her a slight hardness of finish. Yet she had
married James instead of his uncle. She had risked the loss of a large
fortune to follow her heart. Perhaps, if children came, she might
still escape into the thoughts and actions that give life its true
value.

A faint, sphinxlike smile touched his face. "No use worryin'. That
doesn't help any. I'll go as easy as I can. We'll meet in two hours
at James's office."

He turned and left the room.

CHAPTER XL

THE MILLS OF THE GODS

Kirby Lane did not waste the two hours that lay before the appointment
he had made for a meeting at the office of his cousin James. He had a
talk with the Hulls and another with the Chief of Police. He saw Olson
and Rose McLean. He even found the time to forge two initials at the
foot of a typewritten note on the stationery of James Cunningham, and
to send the note to its destination by a messenger.

Rose met him by appointment at the entrance to the Equitable Building
and they rode up in the elevator together to the office of his cousin.
Miss Harriman, as she still called herself in public, was there with
Jack and her husband.

James was ice-cold. He bowed very slightly to Rose. Chairs were
already placed.

For a moment Kirby was embarrassed. He drew James aside. Cunningham
murmured an exchange of sentences with his wife, then escorted her to
the door. Rose was left with the three cousins.

"I suppose Jack has told you of the marriage of Esther McLean," Kirby
said as soon as the door had been closed.

James bowed, still very stiffly.

Kirby met him, eye to eye. He spoke very quietly and clearly. "I want
to open the meetin' by