ed himself worthy, and
it was that principle which guided me, undoubtedly, in my application of
it to you."

"Do you consider that upright?"

"Do not misunderstand me. I do not form a rash judgment of every person
I meet. As a matter of fact I arrive at no judgment at all. I defer
judgment until after the investigation, and I beware of him until this
investigation has been completed."

"You are then obliged to live in a world of suspicion."

"No. Rather in a world of security. How often has the knave paraded
under the banner of innocence! The greatest thieves wear golden chains."

"I could not live after such manner."

She became impatient.

"Were you thrown into daily relation with the world you would soon learn
the art of discrimination. The trusty sentinel lives a life of
suspicion."

At length a truce was silently proclaimed. Composure reigned. The
unpleasant episode had to all appearances been obliterated from their
minds. There was even a touch of that old humor dancing in her eyes.

"Some one has said," she observed, "that 'suspicion is the poison of
friendship.'"

"And a Latin proverb runs, 'Be on such terms with your friend as if you
knew he may one day become your enemy.' Friendship, I realize, is
precious and gained only after long days of probation. The tough fibers
of the heart constitute its essence, not the soft texture of favors and
dreams. We do not possess the friends we imagine, for the world is
self-centered."

"Have you no friends?"

Now she smiled for the second time, but it was only a smile of humor
about the corners of her mouth.

"Only those before whom I may be sincere."

He was serious, inclined to analysis, one might say.

"Can you expect to find sincerity in others without yourself being
sincere?"

"No. But my friend possesses my other soul. I think aloud before him. It
does not matter. I reveal my heart to him, share my joys, unburden my
grief. There is a simplicity and a wholesomeness about it all. We are
mutually sincere."

"Your test is severe."

"But its fruits imperishable."

"I cannot adopt your method," was the deliberate reply as she began to
gather together her ball and needles.

"Let's leave it at that."

And they left it.

V

Long after he had gone she sat there until it was well into the evening,
until the stars began to blink and nod and wrap themselves in the great
cloak of the night, as they kept a silent vigil over the subdued silence
whic