devour. Nowadays women go about looking for trouble. I've known that
kind before, Winnie, but I never saw anyone fairly gallop after it as
you do."

"Why, doctor!"

"My dear," the friend put his hand caressingly on her own, "why do you
repulse Danvers' love? Do not be offended," he said gently, as she
pulled away.

She hid her face in her upturned hands. Suddenly it was sweet to feel
the solicitude of a love so like what she had dreamed a father's might
be.

"I can see, dear child. I know Philip as I know my own heart. I think I
know you (so far as a man can understand a woman)," he stroked her hair
fondly, "and you are making a mistake."

"No, I'm not," came in a whisper. "I--you don't
know--about--Charlie----" Tears fell fast, relieving the suppressed
anguish of weeks.

"Oh, yes, I do." His words fell like balm.

"Charlie has been so good to me all these years. I can't bear to see
him--drift. You know--I can't say it----"

"Don't say it," counseled the doctor. "I understand perfectly."

"And yet," with quivering voice, "you ask me why I turn Mr. Danvers
away! Can't you understand--knowing his love for Judge Latimer? Oh, what
shall I do? What shall I do?" she gasped; but soon controlled herself.
"And I'm afraid Charlie will vote for Mr. Burroughs because----"

"Exactly!" The doctor used the truth unsparingly. "Eva has secured many
votes for Burroughs. But we'll hope that Charlie can be held in line. He
has promised Danvers to vote for his candidate--the governor."

"Oh, but I'm afraid!" wailed the girl. "And if--oh, he would despise us
both--we are of the same blood! If it were not for this dreadful contest
I might be so happy!" Confession shone in her eyes.

"Thank God!" said the old man, reverently. "He has been good to
you--both." He kissed the hand that trembled in his. "You have made me
happy, too."

They sat in silent communion, the old man watching the play of emotion
on the girl's sensitive face, now free from the look of anxiety that had
been so apparent.

"Love is one long heartache," said the girl, plaintively. "Wouldn't you
think, doctor, that if a man cared----"

"If that isn't just like a woman!" interrupted her companion, thinking
he knew what Winifred was trying to say. "Women must have it in words.
You want Philip to chatter away like a society man. He will talk fast
enough when you quit your foolishness and give him a chance."

"I only wanted to say that he is undemonstrative," e