Why don't you tell the man to drive up and
down the avenue, that every one may see how fine you are! Would you
like to know just what I think of you?"

Burton looked into her face and felt a singular reluctance to listen to
the torrent of words which he felt was ready to break upon his head. He
tried to hold himself a little more upright.

"You will be sorry for this, Ellen," he said, with some attempt at
dignity.

She laughed scornfully.

"One isn't sorry at getting rid of such as you," she answered, and
slammed the door behind him.

Burton walked with hesitating footsteps down the footpath. This was not
in the least the triumphal return he had intended to make! He stood for
a moment upon the pavement, considering. It was curious, but his
motor-car no longer seemed to him a glorious vehicle. He was distinctly
dissatisfied with the cut of his clothes, the glossiness of his silk
hat, his general appearance. The thought of his bank balance failed to
bring him any satisfaction whatever. He seemed suddenly, as clearly as
though he were looking into a mirror, to see himself with eyes. He
recognized even the blatant stupidity of his return, and he admired
Ellen more than he had ever admired her in his life.

"Where to, sir?" his brand-new chauffeur asked.

Burton pitched away his cigar.

"Wait a moment," he said, and turning round, walked with firm footsteps
back to the house. He tried the door and opened it, looked into the
parlor and found it empty. He walked down the passage and pushed open
the door of the kitchen. Little Alfred's meal was ready on a tray, the
room was spotless and shining, but Ellen, with her head buried in her
hands, was leaning forward in her chair, sobbing. He suddenly fell on
his knees by her side.

"Please forgive me, Ellen!" he cried, almost sobbing himself. "Please
forgive me for being such a rotter. I'll never--I promise that I'll
never do anything of the sort again."

She looked up. He ventured to put his arm around her waist. She shook
herself free, very weakly. He tried again and with success.

"I know I've made an idiot of myself," he went on. "I'd no right to
come down here like that. I just want you to forgive me now, that's
all. I didn't mean to swagger about being rich. I'm not enjoying it a
bit till you come along."

Ellen raised her head once more. Her lips were' quivering, half with a
smile, although the tears were still in her eyes.

"Sure you mean it?" she asked soft