a call will no doubt be
considered neighbourly. And if I can do anything for the child, you may
depend on me to do it."

"You're a brick, Jim!" In the midst of his relief Barry remembered the
hour and rose hastily. "Well, I must be off, or the house will be shut
up. Good-night, old chap. I'm no end obliged to you. I knew you would
help, if anyone would."

He had turned towards the door when a thought struck him and he turned
back rather awkwardly.

"I say, Jim"--he was looking down at the floor as he spoke--"I hadn't
forgotten, but I didn't like to say much. How ... how is--she?"

"My wife, you mean?" Herrick's smile was bitter. "She is pretty well, I
believe. They say her health has improved lately."

"I'm glad. And--forgive me if I'm tactless, Jim, but when do you expect
her back?"

"When does she come out?" All the youth had died away from his face,
leaving it desperately tired and sad. "Some time in the autumn, October,
I believe. The time isn't really up quite so soon, but there's some
remission for good conduct, I understand, which shortens the sentence."

"Have you seen her lately?"

"No. She refused to see me last time, and I shall not trouble her
again."

"I see." Barry fidgeted from one foot to the other, then made a sudden
grab at his friend's hand. "Well, good-bye, Jim. Ever so many thanks for
promising to help the kid. You can do lots for her if you will, and I do
want the marriage to be a success."

"You've come to a queer person to help you, Barry," said the other with
a twisted smile. "My own marriage has been so wonderfully successful,
hasn't it? But there, don't let's talk about it now. How are you going
home? Motor? Ah, all right. Then Olga and I will come and see you safely
off the premises."

He had regained his former kindly manner, and bade the boy good-night
with all his accustomed heartiness; but as Barry turned for a last look
and saw the stooping figure return through the gate, accompanied by the
graceful Borzoi, a fury of rage gripped his generous young heart.

"Damn that woman--oh, _damn_ her!" He said the words wildly to himself
as he spun down the moonlit road between the fragrant hedges. "She's
ruined his life, and will go on doing it as long as they live! October,
he said. Well, there's time to give poor little Toni a helping hand
before then!"

* * * * *

But in the quiet bungalow behind him Jim Herrick sat alone until the
short summer