rst to speak.

"He's gone, I think. I'll watch until you get safely back to Amzi's."

He lifted his hat; his tone was one of dismissal and she turned as
though to leave, hesitated and drew a step nearer.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to speak to you a moment. I shouldn't have
thought of seeking you, of course, but this makes it possible."

He made no reply, but waited, leaning on his stick. Her foot tapped the
walk nervously; as she readjusted the cloak it exhaled the faint scent
of orris that reached him as though wafted down some dim aisle of
memory.

"I want to speak about Phil. It was to see Phil that I came back. I want
you to know that I wouldn't take her away from you if I could. There
must be no misunderstanding about this. Whatever I am or have been or
may be, I am not base enough for that."

He was silent for a moment.

"That is something that is not in your hands or mine," he answered.
"Phil is the mistress of her own affairs. I was perfectly willing that
she should go to Amzi's to be with you; it's for her to decide whether
she ever comes back to me."

"That is--generous; very generous," she replied, as though, after
hesitating before using the word, her second thought confirmed the
choice.

"And about the money; she told me she spoke to you about that to-day. I
appreciate your attitude. I want you to understand that I'm not trying
to bribe her. I'm glad of a chance to say that I would do nothing to
spoil her loyalty to you. You deserve that; and I have no illusions
about myself. If I thought my coming would injure her--or you--in any
way, I should go at once and never come back. But I had to see her, and
it has all happened fortunately--Amzi's kindness, and hers--and your
own! Phil is so dear--so lovable!"

Her last words broke in a sob, but she quickly regained her
self-control.

"I'm glad," he replied, "if you are not disappointed in her. We have
been very close--comrades and friends; but she has gone beyond me; and
that was inevitable. She's an independent spirit--quite capable of
managing her own affairs."

"I don't think she will ever go beyond you," Lois answered. "She has
told me all the story--and I have read a good deal into it that she
didn't tell me. And I am very grateful. She didn't have to tell me that
you had not embittered her against me; her way of meeting me was
reassuring as to that. It was fine of you; it wasn't what I expected or
deserved."

Unconsciously they had begu