never soothed by woman's sympathy, and
love, come in what garb it may. And in Dr. Lacey's case it was a being of
wondrous beauty, who knew well what she was about and had marked each inch
of ground ere she trod upon it. What marvel then that Dr. Lacey turned
toward her. You would have done so; ay, perchance sooner than he did.

That evening after supper, as Dr. Lacey was walking upon the veranda,
Florence approached him, saying, "Come, Dr. Lacey, now fulfill your
promise of playing with Julia," at the same time leading him toward the
place where her companions were seated. "Now," said she, placing the
chessboard in his hands, "I am mistress of ceremonies. We will have a fair
understanding. If Julia beats, you shall be hers; if you beat, Mabel and
Lida shall draw cuts for you. Do you agree to it?"

"Certainly," was Dr. Lacey's reply, at the same time seating himself
opposite Julia, who gave him a look of searching inquiry. He understood
her and in a low tone answered, "I am in earnest. Do your best."

And she did her best. With one strong effort of the will she concentrated
all her energies upon that game, which she felt would decide her fate. Dr.
Lacey, too, as if resolved to conquer, played most skillfully. The
bystanders for a time looked on, and as Lida noticed the livid hue of
Julia's face, she said, "Pray, Julia, don't burst a blood vessel, for
maybe Dr. Lacey will have you, even if you do not beat."

But the ear she addressed was deaf save to the quiet sound of the
chessmen. The contest was long and severe. Nine, ten, eleven, struck the
little clock in the hall. One by one the spectators stole away. Florence's
parting words were, "If Dr. Lacey beats, be sure and wake us, Julia, so
Mabel and Lida can draw cuts."

And now they were alone. Once and only once Julia glanced at the face of
her antagonist. It was white and colorless as her own hand, which wandered
steadily over the chessboard. The final spell was upon him, and he seemed
striving hard to shake it off. 'Twas all in vain. The little clock struck
the hour of midnight. The game was ended. Julia had won. Dr. Lacey was
checkmated!

With one hand he rapidly swept the board of its occupants, while the other
he extended toward Julia, saying: "Take it. 'Tis all I can offer, for you
well know I have no heart to give. My hand and name you have won--they are
yours."

A person less intriguing or determined than Julia would have scorned to
receive a hand so coldl