hen I asked you to marry me," he continued gravely, "it was with the
thought that I could give you everything to-morrow. I looked for a
fortune. I never meant that you should marry a pauper."

"I don't understand. You tried to test my love for you?"

"No, child, not that. But I was pledged not to speak of the money I
expected, and I wanted you so much before it came."

"And it has failed you?" she answered. "I can't see that it changes
things. I expected to marry a pauper, as you call it. Do you think this
could make a difference?"

"But you don't understand, Peggy. I haven't a penny in the world."

"You hadn't a penny when I accepted you," she replied. "I am not
afraid. I believe in you. And if you love me I shall not give you up."

"Dearest!" and the carriage was at the door before another word was
uttered. But Monty called to the coachman to drive just once around the
block.

"Good night, my darling," he said when they reached home. "Sleep till
eight o'clock if you like. There is nothing now in the way of having
the wedding at nine, instead of at seven. In fact, I have a reason for
wanting my whole fortune to come to me then. You will be all that I
have in the world, child, but I am the happiest man alive."

In his room the strain was relaxed and Brewster faced the bitter
reality. Without undressing he threw himself upon the lounge and
wondered what the world held for him. It held Peggy at least, he
thought, and she was enough. But had he been fair to her? Was he right
in exacting a sacrifice? His tired brain whirled in the effort to
decide. Only one thing was clear--that he could not give her up. The
future grew black at the very thought of it. With her he could make
things go, but alone it was another matter. He would take the plunge
and he would justify it. His mind went traveling back over the
graceless year, and he suddenly realized that he had forfeited the
confidence of men who were worth while. His course in profligacy would
not be considered the best training for business. The thought nerved
him to action. He must make good. Peggy had faith in him. She came to
him when everything was against him, and he would slave for her, he
would starve, he would do anything to prove that she was not mistaken
in him. She at least should know him for a man.

Looking toward the window he saw the black, uneasy night give way to
the coming day. Haggard and faint he arose from the couch to watch the
approach of the s