t, in Harlson's place, I should not have shown
any particular degree of self-control. I have never felt the thing,
but it must be grinding to occupy a position like that of this man I
was addressing. The serving out of a society sentence must be a test
of grit.

We dropped the discussion of the problem, and Harlson referred to it
again but incidentally.

"The fact is," said he, "I had almost forgotten that I was not as free
as other men. I have not regulated my course by my real condition.
I've drifted, and there have been happenings, as you know well.
There's Mrs. Gorse. I've never concealed anything. Those who know me
at all well know my relationships, but I imagine that I have been
deceiving myself. I am not a free agent--though I will be. It's not
right as it is."

"And when am I to see this woman who has interested you, and restored
the old colors to the rainbow? You will allow me to admire her, I
suppose, if only from a distance?"

"Oh, yes! Come with me to the Laffins' to-morrow night. She'll be
there, I learned, and I said I was going to be there too. Come with
me. Of course, you understand that if she smiles on you at all, or if
you appear to have produced a favorable impression upon her, I shall
assassinate you on our way home."

I told him that I thought my general appearance and style of
conversation would preserve me from the danger, and that I would take
the risk and accompany him.

The next night I met Jean Cornish. We were destined to become very
well acquainted.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE WOMAN.

Only a little brown woman she.
Man of the world and profligate he,
Hard and conscienceless, cynical, yet,
Somehow, when he and the woman met,
He learned what other there is in life
Than passion-feeding and careless strife.
There came resolve and a sense of shame,
For she made as his motto but "Faith and fame."

The world is foolish: we cover truth;
We're barred by the gates that we built in youth.
Two were they surely, and two might stay,
But she turned him into the better way;
His thoughts were purified even when
He chafed and raged at the might-have-been;
He learned that living is not a whim,
For the soul in her entered into him.

He fights, as others, to win or fall,
And the spell of the Woman is over all.
Bravely they battle in their degree,
For--"The woman I love shall be proud of me!"
And the man and woman, the one in heart,