had formed that decision at the last moment
before the wedding ceremony was to be performed, before she was even
aware of its postponement. She seemed to think she had sufficient
reasons, but what those reasons were I have never asked and do not
know."

"But do you intend to allow her to play fast and loose with me in this
way? Is she not to fulfil her engagement?" Walcott inquired, with
difficulty concealing his anger.

Mr. Underwood regarded him steadily for a moment. "Mr. Walcott, taking
all things into consideration, I think perhaps we had better let things
remain as they are, say, for a year or so. My daughter is young; there
is no need of haste in the consummation of this marriage. I have found
what she is worth to me, and I am in no haste to spare her from my home.
If she is worth having as a wife, she is worth winning, and I shall not
force her against her wishes a second time."

Mr. Underwood spoke quietly, but Walcott understood that further
discussion was useless.

Meeting Kate a few days later in her father's office, he greeted her
with marked politeness. After a few inquiries regarding her visit, he
said,--

"May I be allowed to inquire who is responsible for your sudden decision
against me?"

"You, and you alone, are responsible," she replied.

"But I do not understand you," he said.

"Explanations are unnecessary," she rejoined, coldly.

Walcott grew angry. "I know very well that certain of your friends are
no friends of mine. If I thought that either or both of them had had a
hand in this I would make it a bitter piece of work for them!"

"Mr. Walcott," said Kate, with dignity, "you only demean yourself by
such threats. No one has influenced me in this matter but you yourself.
You unwittingly afforded me, at the last moment, an insight into your
real character. That is enough!"

Walcott felt that he had gone too far. "Perhaps I spoke hastily, but
surely it was pardonable considering my grievance. I hope you will
overlook it and allow me to see you at The Pines, will you not, Miss
Underwood?"

"If my father sees fit to invite you to his house I will probably meet
you as his guest, but not otherwise."

Although Mr. Underwood had resumed charge of the downtown offices as
before his illness, it soon became evident to all that his active
business life was practically over, and that some of his varied
interests, involving as they did a multiplicity of cares and
responsibilities, must be curta