advice, not legally, you understand, but in
regard to his choice!"

"Your advice!" Gifford burst out, but instantly apologized by saying he
believed it was not usual to ask advice in such matters,--a man usually
knew. But perhaps he was mistaken.

"Yes--I am inclined to think you are," responded Mr. Denner, with a
jauntiness which sat strangely upon his wrinkled face,--"I think you are.
Being still a very young person, Gifford, you scarcely understand the
importance of such matters, and the--ah--wisdom of seeking advice. I
believe it is always said that youth does not realize the importance of
advice. But the fact is, my friend has placed his affections upon two
ladies. They are connections, and both he represents to be estimable
persons; both, as I understand it, equally admirable. Equally, you
observe, Gifford. And he is unable to make up his mind which is the
most--I should say the more--desirable. I, unfortunately, was unable
to throw any light upon the subject."

"Do you know the young ladies?" asked Gifford.

"I--I may say I have met them," admitted Mr. Denner.

"And how did you advise him?" Gifford asked, his face preternaturally
grave.

Mr. Denner looked anxious. "That is just it. I have been unable to come
to any conclusion. I wondered if--if I spoke of their characteristics in
a general way (they are both so truly estimable) you might have an
opinion. He did think he could reach a decision, he tells me, for a
friend of his thought he knew a proverb which would throw a light upon
it."

"Settle it by a proverb!" cried Gifford.

"Yes," answered Mr. Denner firmly, "yes; and an excellent way it would
be, if one could find the proverb."

The air of offended dignity in Mr. Denner's face sobered Gifford at once.

"I beg your pardon, sir," he said; "the method was new to me, though it
is, no doubt, excellent. May I ask the proverb?"

But the lawyer was hurt. "It is not worth while to mention it. It was
not--not suitable. It did not enable my friend to reach a decision, after
all; it was merely something in regard to whist."

Gifford hid his face in the grass for a moment, and then he said again,
"I--I beg your pardon, Mr. Denner; it struck me as an unusual way of
settling a love affair. Your friend must have been much disappointed?"

"He was, he was, sir," answered Mr. Denner, not knowing whether to be
angry or injured, and picking up his reel and rod with trembling hands.

"Well, now," Gifford said, s