weak she considered those smiles to be;
but the Greek thought them wondrous, and coveted them as no Greek ever
coveted Troy. Feeling that Williams sought only her friendship, and
being more than willing to give him that, she was her natural self, and
was more winsome and charming than she had ever before appeared to him.
Her graciousness, which he should have been wise enough to understand
but did not, her winsomeness and beauty, which he should have been
strong enough to withstand but was not, and his love, which he tried to
resist but could not, induced him upon that evening to make an attack.

Many little items of local interest had been discussed, foreign affairs
were touched upon, books, music, and the blessed weather had each been
duly considered, and short periods of silence had begun to occur,
together with an occasional smothered yawn from Rita. Williams, with the
original purpose of keeping the conversation going and with no intent to
boast, said:--

"My father has purchased a new home in Boston beyond the Common, over on
the avenue, and has offered to give me his old house. He has determined
to retire from the firm and I am to take his place. I shall start for
Boston Christmas Day"--here his self-control forsook him--"and, Rita, if
you will go with me, I shall be the happiest man on earth."

The girl remained silent, feeling that he knew her mind on the subject,
and hoping he would proceed no farther. Hope, spurred by desire, is
easily awakened, and Williams, misunderstanding her silence,
continued:--

"I do not mean to boast, but I cannot help telling you that your home in
Boston, if you will go with me, will be one of the most beautiful in the
city. All that wealth can buy you shall have, and all that love and
devotion can bring you shall possess. Other girls would jump at the
chance--" (poor conical head--this to this girl) "but I want you,
Rita--want you of all the world."

Rita rose to her feet, surprised and alarmed by this Grecian trick, and
Williams, stepping quickly to her side, grasped her hand. He had lost
his wonted self-control and was swept forward by the flood of his
long-pent-up emotions.

"Mr. Williams, I beg you will not--" cried Rita, endeavoring to withdraw
her hand.

"You shall listen to me," he cried, half in anger, half pleadingly. "I
have loved you as tenderly and unselfishly as woman ever was loved,
since I first knew you. I know I am not worthy of you, but I am the
equal of