eyes sparkled with anger--and I could
not but suspect that he had at one time in his life been faced with a
problem like mine, and had settled it the other way. My suspicion was
not weakened when he went on to say:

"Boyish motives again! They show you do not know women. Don't be
deceived by their delicate exterior, by their pretenses of
super-refinement. They affect to be what passion deludes us into
thinking them. But they're clay, sir, just clay, and far less
sensitive than we men. Don't you see, young man, that by making her
independent you're throwing away your best chance of winning her?
Women are like dogs--like dogs, sir! They lick the hand that feeds
'em--lick it, and like it."

"Possibly," said I, with no disposition to combat views based on I
knew not what painful experience; "but I don't care for that sort of
liking--from a woman or from a dog."

"It's the only kind you'll get," retorted he, trying to control his
agitation. "I'm an old man. I know human nature--that's why I live
alone. You'll take that kind of liking, or do without."

"Then I'll do without," said I.

"Give her an income, and she'll go. I see it all. You've flattered her
vanity by showing your love for her--that's the way with the women.
They go crazy about themselves, and forget all about the man. Give her
an income and she'll go."

"I doubt it," said I. "And you would, if you knew her. But, even so, I
shall lose her in any event. For, unless she is made independent,
she'll certainly go with the last of the little money she has, the
remnant of a small legacy."

The old man argued with me, the more vigorously, I suspect, because he
found me resolute. When he could think of no new way of stating his
case--his case against Anita--he said: "You are a fool, young
man--that's clear. I wonder such a fool was ever able to get together
as much property as report credits you with. But--you're the kind of
fool I like."

"Then--you'll indulge my folly?" said I, smiling.

He threw up his arms in a gesture of mock despair. "If you will have
it so," he replied. "I am curious about this niece of mine. I want to
see her. I want to see the woman who can resist _you_."

"Her mind and her heart are closed against me," said I. "And it is my
own fault--I closed them."

"Put her out of your head," he advised. "No woman is worth a serious
man's while."

"I have few wants, few purposes," said I. "But those few I pursue to
the end. Even though she w