rd and
ask for a straightforward, loyal explanation. I know you are true to
me. I have never doubted it for an instant. I only want a word from
you to forget what I've heard and dismiss the matter from my mind
forever."

He looked at her, an amused kind of expression playing about the
corners of his mouth. It was only with an effort that he controlled
the muscles of his face. What a comedy, he thought to himself! Here
was this sweet little woman breaking her heart over something which, as
far as he knew, didn't exist. But he must continue to play his part,
no matter at what cost. Evidently, she had heard something for which
there might be some basis of truth. She might even have proofs of his
brother's infidelity, and ready to produce them. Too sweeping a denial
might still further complicate matters, arouse suspicion, and end in
exposure. Cautiously, he replied:

"You know all there is in my life, sweetheart. I never conceal
anything from you."

Looking searchingly at him, she demanded:

"Never?"

"Never."

"Has there been another woman in your life, Kenneth, since you married
me?"

"No, sweetheart--never. If anyone told you that or even insinuated it,
he was a scoundrel. It's a damned lie! You are and always will be the
only one----"

Her head fell back on his shoulder.

"Then I am completely happy!" she murmured.

His arms folded about her and she felt his warm breath on her cheek.
But this time she did not resist. It felt good to be sheltered there
in those strong arms against the attacks and calumnies of the world.

"It is late," he murmured.

Suddenly, he threw her head back and bending down till his mouth
reached hers he kissed her full on the lips. She did not resist, but
just abandoned herself, responding only feebly to the fierce passion
that made him tremble like a leaf. His face flushed, his hands
shaking, he murmured:

"It is very late. Are you not tired?"

"No dear--I'm not tired. There's no hurry. We needn't get up early
to-morrow. It's so beautiful here--sitting together like this--so
happy in each other's company."

"But I am tired," he said, trying to control his emotion.

It was almost more than he could endure, yet still he mastered himself,
and resisted the temptation that arose violently within him to take her
by force, if needs be, and carry her into the inner room, as the wild
beast, tiring of playing with its victim, suddenly ends the game by
seizing