on
of what a raw Western youth should be. Even the act of burning the
agreement and the cheque, dramatic though it was, had a poise to it
that seemed inappropriate. Dave should have snatched the papers--it
would have been better had the partners fought over them--he should
have crumpled them in rage and consigned them to the fire with curses.
Mrs. Hardy felt that in such conduct Dave would have been running true
to form. His assumption of the manners of a gentleman annoyed her
exceedingly.

"I can only apologize for my partner's behaviour," said Conward. "It
need not, however, affect the transaction in the slightest degree. A
new agreement will be drawn at once--an agreement in which the firm of
Conward & Elden will not be concerned."

"That will be more satisfactory," said Mrs. Hardy. She intended the
remark for Dave's ears, but he had moved to a corner of the room and
was conversing in low tones with Irene.

"I am sorry I had to make your mother's acquaintance under
circumstances which, I fear, she will not even try to understand," he
had said to Irene. "I am sure she will not credit me with unselfish
motives."

"Oh, Dave--Mr. Elden, I mean--that is--you don't know how proud--you
don't know how much of a _man_ you made me feel you are."

She was flushed and excited. "Perhaps I shouldn't talk like this.
Perhaps----"

"It all depends on one thing," Dave interrupted.

"What is that?"

"It all depends on whether we are Miss Hardy and Mr. Elden, or whether
we are still Reenie and Dave."

Her bright eyes had fallen to the floor, and he could see the tremor of
her fingers as they rested on the back of a chair. She did not answer
him directly. But in a moment she spoke.

"Mother will buy the house from Mr. Conward," she said. "She is like
that. And when we are settled you will come and see me, won't
you--Dave?"

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

When the Hardys had gone Conward turned to Elden. "We had better try
and find out where we stand," he said, trying to speak dispassionately,
but there was a tremor in his voice.

"I agree," returned Elden, who had no desire to evade the issue. "Do
you consider it fair to select inexperienced women for your victims?"

Conward made a deprecating gesture. "There is nothing to be gained by
quarreling, Dave," he said. "Let us face the situation fairly. Let us
get at the facts. When we have agreed as to facts, then we may agree
as to procedure."

"Shoot," said