mpton stepped out directly in his path. "Herndon," he said, calmly,
"you and I have clashed once before, and the less you have to say
to-night the better. I am in no mood for trifling, and this happens to
be your wife's affair."

"Madam," and he lifted his hat, holding it in his hand, "I am bringing
back the runaway, and she has now pledged herself to remain with you."

"I was not seeking her," she returned, icily. "I have no desire to
cultivate the particular friends of Mr. Hampton."

"So I have understood, and consequently relinquish here and now all
claims upon Miss Gillis. She has informed me of your flattering
opinion regarding me, and I have indorsed it as being mainly true to
life. Miss Gillis has been sufficiently shocked at thus discovering my
real character, and now returns in penitence to be reared according to
the admonitions of the Presbyterian faith. Do I state this fairly,
Naida?"

"I have come back," she faltered, fingering the chain at her throat, "I
have come back."

"Without Bob Hampton?"

The girl glanced uneasily toward him, but he stood motionless in the
gloom.

"Yes--I--I suppose I must."

Hampton rested his hand softly upon her shoulder, his fingers
trembling, although his voice remained coldly deliberate.

"I trust this is entirely satisfactory, Mrs. Herndon," he said. "I can
assure you I know absolutely nothing regarding her purpose of coming to
me tonight. I realize quite clearly my own deficiencies, and pledge
myself hereafter not to interfere with you in any way. You accept the
trust, I believe?"

She gave utterance to a deep sigh of resignation. "It comes to me
clearly as a Christian duty," she acknowledged, doubtfully, "and I
suppose I must take up my cross; but--"

"But you have doubts," he interrupted. "Well, I have none, for I have
greater faith in the girl, and--perhaps in God. Good-night, Naida."

He bowed above the hand the girl gave him in the darkness, and ever
after she believed he bent lower, and pressed his lips upon it. The
next moment the black night had closed him out, and she stood there,
half frightened at she knew not what, on the threshold of her new life.

CHAPTER IX

AT THE OCCIDENTAL

Hampton slowly picked his way back through the darkness down the silent
road, his only guide those dim yellow lights flickering in the
distance. He walked soberly, his head bent slightly forward, absorbed
in thought. Suddenly he paused, and swore s