I shall not be able to save that much by Christmas."

"Will you loan it to me--the gold dollar?" asked Sukey.

"Yes," returned Rita, somewhat reluctantly, having doubts of Sukey's
intention and ability to repay. But she handed over the gold dollar with
which the borrower hoped to steal the lender's lover.

Next day Sukey asked Tom to drive her to the gypsy camp, but she did not
explain that her purpose was to buy a love powder with which she hoped
to win another man. Sukey, with all her amiable disposition,--Billy
Little used to say she was as good-natured as a hound pup,--was a girl
who could kiss your lips, gaze innocently into your eyes, and betray you
to Caesar, all unconscious of her own perfidy. Rita was her friend. Still
she unblushingly borrowed her money, hoping therewith to steal Dic. Tom
was her encouraged lover; still she wished him to help her in obtaining
the love powder by which she might acquire the love of another man.
Sukey was generous; but the world and the people thereof were made for
her use, and she, of course, would use them. She did not know she was
false--but why should I dwell upon poor Sukey's peccadilloes as if she
were the only sinner, or responsible for her sins? Who is responsible
for either sin or virtue?

Rita deserved no praise for being true, pure, gentle, and unselfish.
Those qualities were given with her heart. The Chief Justice should not
be censured because she held peculiar theories of equity and looked upon
the words "as we forgive those who trespass against us" as mere
surplusage. She was born with her theories and opinions. Sukey should
not be blamed because of her dimples and her too complacent smiles. For
what purpose were dimples and smiles created save to give pleasure, and
incidentally to cause trouble? But I promise there shall be no more
philosophizing for many pages to come.

Sukey, by the help of Tom and Rita, purchased her love powder, and,
being eager to administer it, informed Rita that evening that she
intended to return home next morning. Accordingly, she departed, leaving
Rita to receive alone the attentions of her persistent lover.

Within a week or two after Sukey's return, Dic, having almost recovered,
went to see Rita. He was not able to go a-horseback, so he determined to
take the stage, and Billy Little went with him as body-guard.

While they waited for the coach in Billy's back room, Williams became
the topic of conversation.

"He will marry Rit