f to govern and protect myself, without being tied to a watch-dog,
whose baying would serve much the same purpose as that picture in
mosaic in the House of the Tragic Poet. I have a very sincere affection
for you, Alma, but the day on which you sell yourself in a loveless
marriage, will strain hard on the cable of esteem."

"Is it for this reason that you refuse to officiate as my bridesmaid?"

"Solely because I will neither witness nor participate in an act which
will give me great pain by lowering my estimate of your character."

Alma's long, supple, tapering fingers were outstretched, and taking
Leo's white dimpled hands, drew them caressingly to her face, pressing
a palm against each cheek.

"Your good opinion is so precious, I cannot afford to lose it. We
accept men's flattery and expect their compliments, because it is a
traditional homage that survives the chivalry that inspired it; but we
don't mistake chaff for wheat, and the purest, sweetest, noblest and
holiest friendship in life is that of a true, good woman. The perfume
is as different as the stale odor of a cigar, from the breath of the
honeysuckle that bleached all night under crystal dew, floats in at
your window like a message from heaven, I love you dearly, my pretty
Portia, hence I wince a trifle at your harsh ascription of cave canem
motives in my marriage. In the idyllic Arthurian days, the 'Lily Maid
of Astolot' made a touching picture, weeping and dying for the man who
rode away, marauding on kingly preserves; but this is the era of wise,
common sense 'Maud Mullers', and she and the Judge, mating as best they
can, lead peaceful lives in a wholesome atmosphere, and cause no
scandal by following 'affinities' across the lines of law; as some high
in literature, art, and society have done, trusting that the starred
mantle of genius would hide their moral leprosy. With all my faults, at
least I am honest; and when I bow my stiff neck under the yoke
connubial, I promise you I will keep step demurely and sedately. Do you
remember a sombre book we read while yachting, which contained this
brave confession of a woman, whose marriage made her historic? 'I
thought I had done with life. I knew I had now cause to be proud of
belonging to this man, and I was proud. At the same time I as little
feigned ardent love for him, as he demanded it from me.' Leo, you and I
represent different types. You are an eagle brooding in cold eternal
solitude upon the heights,