a very complex problem.

He took a lightly packed bag with him to the office and at the first
opportunity presented himself to Jonathan.

"May I take to-morrow off? There is a matter I must attend to at once.
I can be back by day after to-morrow."

"Certainly," said Jonathan, without looking up.

"Thank you." David hesitated. "Mr. Radbourne, do you know anything
definite of the situation at St. Mark's?"

"Nothing definite."

"Do you think there's any chance for me at all?"

"The committee will decide this week. There's a man named Holden--"

"I know him."

"He seems to have influence--and not much else. But Mr. Blaisdell is
trying to see that you get fair play."

"Is it necessary for Mr. Blaisdell to use his influence very actively
in my favor?"

"I'm afraid it is."

"I'm sorry. I knew, of course, that you and he would do all you
could--if it was needed. But I thought perhaps my plans would justify
the committee--"

"They do. And they justify any work that has been done for you. There
is no obligation that need weigh heavily on you."

"It isn't that. I appreciate my--my friends' willingness to help. But
I'd hoped to be able to win solely on my merits in this thing."

"Do you wish us--Mr. Blaisdell to refrain?"

"No. I need to get back into my profession. It means so much to
me--in a new way--that I'll be glad to have it on any terms. That
doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for the kindness I've had here.--
But I'm interrupting." And David went back to his drawing.

All that day he avoided Esther, sticking close to his table. Not until
she was leaving at the end of the afternoon did he seek her.

"Miss Summers, I forgot to tell your aunt that I shan't be back until
day after to-morrow. Will you please tell her for me?"

"You are going away?"

"Yes." He made no explanation.

"I will tell her."

"Thank you." And because he was holding himself sternly rigid, lest
eyes or tone cry out what must not be said, he spoke almost curtly.

She moved quietly away from him and did not once look back, though she
knew he was watching her. But when a door was between them she stopped
for a moment, quivering lips pressed hard, both hands tightly clenched.
Then she, too, sought Jonathan.

"Mr. Radbourne, the church people telephoned to-day that I can have the
position."

"I am very glad. When shall you be leaving the office?"

"At the end of the week, if you can get some one for my pl