in the Park--a perfectly
friendly, simple, and natural question. Yet it remained unuttered.

She turned again to the doorway; a maid stood there holding a note on a
salver.

"For Captain Selwyn, please," murmured the maid.

Miss Erroll passed out.

Selwyn took the note and broke the seal:

"MY DEAR SELWYN: I'm in a beastly fix--an I.O.U. due to-night and
_pas de quoi_! Obviously I don't want Neergard to know, being
associated as I am with him in business. As for Austin, he's a
peppery old boy, bless his heart, and I'm not very secure in his
good graces at present. Fact is I got into a rather stiff game last
night--and it's a matter of honour. So can you help me to tide it
over? I'll square it on the first of the month.

"Yours sincerely,

"GERALD ERROLL.

"P.S.--I've meant to look you up for ever so long, and will the
first moment I have free."

Below this was pencilled the amount due; and Selwyn's face grew very
serious.

The letter he wrote in return ran:

"DEAR GERALD: Check enclosed to your order. By the way, can't you
lunch with me at the Lenox Club some day this week? Write, wire, or
telephone when.

"Yours,

"SELWYN."

When he had sent the note away by the messenger he walked back to the
bay-window, hands in his pockets, a worried expression in his gray
eyes. This sort of thing must not be repeated; the boy must halt in his
tracks and face sharply the other way. Besides, his own income was
limited--much too limited to admit of many more loans of that sort.

He ought to see Gerald at once, but somehow he could not in decency
appear personally on the heels of his loan. A certain interval must
elapse between the loan and the lecture; in fact he didn't see very well
how he could admonish and instruct until the loan had been
cancelled--that is, until the first of the New Year.

Pacing the floor, disturbed, uncertain as to the course he should
pursue, he looked up presently to see Miss Erroll descending the stairs,
fresh and sweet in her radiant plumage. As she caught his eye she waved
a silvery chinchilla muff at him--a marching salute--and passed on,
calling back to him: "Don't forget Gerald!"

"No," he said, "I won't forget Gerald." He stood a moment at the window
watching the brougham below where Nina awaited Miss Erroll. Then,
abruptly, he turned back into the room and picked up the telephone
receiver, mutterin