s to
be the truth. But you will pardon me if I say I do not quite
understand how it can all be true."

They had all risen and Gordon was looking straight down into the
little physician's eyes with an expression so serious and solemn that
Henrietta caught her breath, intently listening for what he was about
to say.

"No," he replied, slowly, gravely, "I do not wonder that you do not
understand. Neither do I."

Professional inquiry was in the keen glance with which Dr. Annister
searched for an instant his visitor's face and eyes. Henrietta,
watching him, guessed that he was probing for some sign of mental
aberration. But apparently he was satisfied on that score, for as he
followed them out he gave her a reassuring pat upon the arm.

"Well," he said more cheerfully, "since this is all you can tell us,
we shall have to wait with what patience we can for Mr. Brand's
return. But I will tell you frankly, Mr. Gordon, that I, at least,
have confidence in you and accept your assurances."

He did not tell them, however, by what course of reasoning he had
quickly come to this conclusion. That was something to be kept closely
locked in his own breast until he should see Felix Brand again. For he
had decided that the most probable key to the mystery was that his
daughter's betrothed was indulging in some secret form of debauchery,
perhaps solitary drunkenness, perhaps indulgence in some drug, perhaps
mere beastliness, and that this fact was known to his intimate friend,
Hugh Gordon, who, in single-minded loyalty, was trying to protect him.
A normal man's disgust at such a course of conduct, thought the
doctor, would explain the antipathy which he was often unable to
conceal when Brand's name was mentioned.

Henrietta thought her companion somewhat abstracted on their way down
town, and unusually serious, even for him, who was accustomed to take,
as she had already learned, a serious view of himself and the world.
He crossed the ferry with her, and not until they had ensconced
themselves in a quiet corner of the boat's upper deck did he seem to
settle the question which had been disturbing his mind. But settled
she decided it must be, for he now gave himself up to enjoyment of her
society.

When they landed he walked with her to her trolley car, where they
stood, still talking, until the motorman began making preparations to
start.

"Good-bye," he said unsmilingly, as he held out his hand. "I shall see
you again sometime,