the secret. Dave did not venture to speak of
the quarrel and Conward's threat, partly from a sense of delicacy;
partly from a curiously strained point of honour that that would be
taking an unfair advantage of Conward; but most, perhaps, because of
his complete assurance that Conward would never be able to carry his
threat into effect. He had absolutely no misgivings on that score.
Conward, on the other hand, knew that his standing with Irene would
not, as yet, justify him in playing any trump card. He realized that
the girl's affections were placed on Elden, but he trusted, by winning
for himself an intimate position in the family, to grow gradually into
more favourable relationship with her. Conward had a manner, a
mildness of voice, a confidential note in his words, which had not
failed him on previous occasions, and although he now stalked bigger
game than ever before he had no serious doubt of ultimate success. As
for Irene, a certain aversion which she had felt for Conward at first
did disappear under the influence of his presence in the household and
the courteous attentions, which, although directed to her mother, were
in some degree reflected upon herself.

It would not be true to say that Irene's acquaintance with Conward made
it more difficult for her to accept the terms of Dave's ultimatum. She
regarded the two men from a totally different point of view, and there
seemed no reason why her vision of one should in any way obscure her
vision of the other. One was merely a friend of the family, to be
treated on grounds of cordial good-fellowship; the other was her
prospective husband. It was no consideration for Conward that sealed
her lips. There was another matter, however, which bore heavily upon
her pride, and strewed her path with difficulties.

Mrs. Hardy had invested practically all her little fortune in her
house. The small sum which had been saved from that unfortunate
investment had been eaten up in the cost of furnishing and maintaining
the home. Dr. Hardy, in addition to his good name, had left his
daughter some few thousand dollars of life insurance, and this was the
capital which was now supplying their daily needs. It, too, would soon
be exhausted, and Irene was confronted with the serious business of
finding a means of livelihood for herself and her mother.

She discussed her problem with Bert Morrison, with whom she had formed
a considerable friendship. She wondered whether she mi