it isn't necessary. I am in no trouble. No one
here knows I even know you."

"Excuse me for coming, then. I couldn't rest, Nan, without knowing
something. I was here last night."

"I know you were."

He started. "You made no sign."

"Why should I? I suspected it was you. When you came again to-night I
knew I should have to speak to you--at least, to ask you not to come
again."

"But you will be in and out of town sometimes, won't you, Nan?"

"If I am, it will not be to talk with you."

The words were spoken deliberately. De Spain was silent for a moment.
"Not even to speak to me?" he asked.

"You must know the position I am in," she answered. "And what a
position you place me in if I am seen to speak to you. This is my
home. You are the enemy of my people."

"Not because I want to be."

"And you can't expect them not to resent any acquaintance on my part
with you."

He paused before continuing. "Do you count Gale Morgan as one of your
people?" he asked evenly.

"I suppose I must."

"Don't you think you ought to count all of your friends, your
well-wishers, those who would defend you with their lives, among your
people?" She made no answer. "Aren't they the kind of people," he
persisted, "you need when you are in trouble?"

"You needn't remind me I should be grateful to you----"

"Nan!" he exclaimed.

"For I am," she continued, unmoved. "But----"

"It's a shame to accuse me in that way."

"You were thinking when you spoke of what happened with Gale on Music
Mountain."

"I wish to God you and I were on Music Mountain again! I never lived
or did anything worth living for, till you came to me that day on
Music Mountain. It's true I was thinking of what happened when I
spoke--but not to remind you you owed anything to me. You don't; get
that out of your head."

"I do, though."

"I spoke in the way I did because I wanted to remind you of what might
happen some time when I'm not near."

"I shan't be caught off my guard again. I know how to defend myself
from a drunken man."

He could not restrain all the bitterness he felt. "That man," he said
deliberately, "is more dangerous sober than drunk."

"When I can't defend myself, my uncle will defend me."

"Ask him to let me help."

"He doesn't need any help. And he would never ask you, if he did. I
can't live at home and know you; that is why I ask you not to come
again."

He was silent. "Don't you think, all things considered," she
hesitated