w how much I liked you," she said. "I never knew a man I
respected more."

"That is most gratifying," he answered, "for I hold your good opinion
very highly. You must think I speak in riddles, for I have said that I
demand payment for my services, and yet that I would not accept the
greatest gift it is in your power to bestow upon me. Let me wait no
longer in my explanation. When I have put your father out of all danger
from this blackmailer--and I can easily do it, never fear--you must do
justice to Shirley Roseleaf."

She shivered at the name, as if the east wind blew upon her.

"He is not a true man," she replied, in a whisper. "He has forfeited all
claim to my consideration."

"Why do you say that? I am afraid there is another misunderstanding
here, my child."

Then he drew out of her, slowly at first, the revelations that Millicent
had made. And he disposed of the charges, one by one, until there was
nothing left of them.

"Could you--would you--only go with me to his rooms," he added, "and see
him lying there, wan and pale, disheartened at the present, hopeless for
the future, you would change your mind. He has never in his life loved
but one woman, and that one is yourself. I will not undertake to say why
you have been told differently, though I could guess. Shirley Roseleaf
loves you, Miss Daisy, and you love him. When I have made good my
promise, I shall ask you to come to my friend's side and bring him back
to health with the sunshine of your presence."

Daisy was more than half convinced, for the strong affection she had had
for the young man plead for him in every drop of her blood.

"Is he so very ill?" she asked, dreamily.

"He has not left his room for a week," was the answer. "Nothing his
friends can say will move him. He is in such a state of mind that he
even refuses to have me with him; me, until very lately, his closest
friend. But if I tell him you have relented, there is no medicine on
earth will have such an instant effect."

The girl thought for some moments without speaking.

"It is my father first, of course," she said at last. "But while you are
arranging matters concerning him, I do not see any reason to keep me
from helping a sick boy. I--yes, I will go with you now."

He looked the gratitude he could not speak, and fearful that in her
mercurial mood she might change her mind, he accompanied her without
delay to the street, and procured a cab, in which they were driven
rapidly