ification, rather
suffers. You see, I think we are here on this earth for the purpose of
bettering ourselves and preparing for that future, which--I know what
I am saying sounds selfish, but really, really, I don't think it is.
Do you know, Jim came to ask me to marry him? I know he did. I avoided
his direct question, and told him that you asked me last night, and
that I had given you my promise. Well, he accepted it as though, as
though he had no business to want what you wanted. And his only
comment was that you were a 'good boy,' and that he thought you'd make
me a good husband. Now, don't laugh"--the man showed not the slightest
inclination to do so. His face was livid; there was something like
horror in his eyes--"but if I'd been a man in his place I should have
been just mad. Do you think I'd have said that? No, Will; my thoughts
would have been murderous. But with him it was otherwise, I'm sure.
Yet he loved me, and he was hurt. I could see it--oh, I could see it.
The agony in his eyes nearly broke my heart. Will, I think we owe Jim
something. I know we can't ever repay it. But we owe him surely. You
do, even more than I. I can't bear to think of his hurt."

The girl ceased speaking. Will had made no attempt to stop her, yet
every word she had spoken lashed him to a savage self-defense.

"I--I didn't know he loved you," he lied. Then he stopped with a
sickening impulse. But in a moment he went on. He had taken the
plunge, and his selfish nature came to his aid. "Poor Jim," he said,
with apparent feeling. "It's hard luck--mighty hard luck. But, then,
Eve, a feller can't expect a man to stand by where a woman's
concerned. Not even a brother. You see, dear, I love you so bad. I'd
lose anything but you, yes, even my life." He drew nearer to her, but
the girl made no response. "Jim's got to take his 'medicine.' Same as
I'd have taken mine, if you'd loved him. If Jim squeals, he's
not----"

"Oh, don't be afraid of that," Eve exclaimed, with some warmth. "Jim
won't 'squeal.' It's not in him to 'squeal.' He'll take his 'medicine'
with any man. I'm not thinking of that. It's--oh, I don't know--only I
think you're lucky to have such a friend, and I--oh, I wish we could
do something for him."

Eve did not know how to express all she felt, and Will did not help
her. He displayed no sympathy, but seemed absolutely indifferent, and
she almost felt angry with him.

"There's nothing to be done." Then something prompted the