would not," emphatically said Nora.

"Why not?"

"To tell the truth, ever since that concert night I feel I can't trust
him. He is different from us. He is no real Canadian. He is a German."

"Well, Nora, you amaze me," said Larry. "What supreme nonsense you are
talking! You have got that stuff of Romayne's into your mind. The war
bug has bitten you too. For Heaven's sake be reasonable. If you object
to Ernest because of his race, I am ashamed of you and have no sympathy
with you."

"Not because of his race," said Nora, "though, Larry, let me tell you he
hates Britain. I was close to him that night, and hate looked out of his
eyes. But let that pass. I have seen Ernest with 'his women' as he calls
them, and, Larry, I can't bear to think of our Kathleen being treated as
he treats his mother and sister."

"Now, Nora, let us be reasonable. Let us look at this fairly," began
Larry.

"Oh, Larry! stop or I shall be biting the furniture next. When you
assume that judicial air of yours I want to swear. Answer me. Do you
want him to marry Kathleen? Yes or no."

"Well, as I was about to say--"

"Larry, will you answer yes or no?"

"Well, no, then," said Larry.

"Thank God!" cried Nora, rushing at him and shaking him vigorously. "You
wretch! Why did you keep me in suspense? How I wish that English stick
would get a move on!"

"English stick? Whom do you mean?"

"You're as stupid as the rest, Larry. Whom should I mean? Jack Romayne,
of course. There's a man for you. I just wish he'd waggle his finger at
me! But he won't do things. He just 'glowers' at her, as old McTavish
would say, with those deep eyes of his, and sets his jaw like a wolf
trap, and waits. Oh, men are so stupid with women!"

"Indeed?" said Larry. "And how exactly?"

"Why doesn't he just make her love him, master her, swing her off her
feet?" said Nora.

"Like Switzer, eh? The cave man idea?"

"No, no. Surely you see the difference?"

"Pity my ignorance and elucidate the mystery."

"Mystery? Nonsense. It is quite simple. It is a mere matter of
emphasis."

"Oh, I see," said Larry, "or at least I don't see. But credit me with
the earnest and humble desire to understand."

"Well," said his sister, "the one--"

"Which one?"

"Switzer. He is mad to possess her for his very own. He would carry her
off against her will. He'd bully her to death."

"Ah, you would like that?"

"Not I. Let him try it on. The other, Romayne, is mad to have her t