ed. "I see. And yet there is this about Hilda. She does not
deceive herself;--perhaps you do--and Jean."

"Perhaps it is Hilda who is deceived. All the people in the world are
not unlovely--all of them are not mercenary and deceitful and selfish."
Her cheeks were flushed.

"Nobody knows that better than a doctor, Emily. I am conscious that
Hilda draws out the worst in me--yet there is something about her that
makes me want to find things out, to explore life with her--"

He was smiling into the fire. Miss Emily girded herself and gave him a
shock. "The trouble with you is that you want the admiration of every
woman who comes your way. Most of your patients worship you--Jean puts
you on a pedestal--even I tell you that you have a soul. But Hilda
withholds the admiration you demand, and you want to conquer her--to
see her succumb with the rest of us."

"The rest of you! Emily, you have never succumbed."

"Oh, yes, I have. I seem to be saying, 'He may have a few weaknesses,
but back of it all he is big and fine.' But Hilda's attitude
indicates, 'He is not fine at all.' And you hate that and want to show
her."

He chuckled. "By Jove, I do, Emily. Perhaps it is just as well that I
am getting away from her."

"I wouldn't admit it if I were you. I'd rather see you face a thing
than run away."

"If Eve had run away from the snake in the apple tree, she would not
have lost her Eden--poor Eve."

"Poor Adam--to follow her lead. He should have said, 'No, my dear,
apples are not permitted by the Food Administrator; we must practice
self-denial.'"

"I think I'd rather have him sinning than such a prig."

"It depends on the point of view."

He enjoyed immensely crossing swords with Emily. There was never any
aftermath of unpleasantness. She soothed him even while she criticised.

They spoke presently of Jean and Derry.

"They want to get married."

"Well, why not?"

"She's too young, Emily. Too ignorant of what life means--and he may
go to France any day. He is getting restless--and he may see things
differently--that his duty to his country transcends any personal
claim--and then what of Jean?--a little wife--alone."

"She could stay with me."

"But marriage, _marriage_, Emily--why in Heaven's name should they be
in such a hurry?"

"Why should they wait, and miss the wonder of it all, as I have missed
it--all the color and glow, the wine of life? Even if he should go to
France, and die,