ily.

"Then will you promise me not to go with Phillips this evening?"

"Ho!" said Pliny, affecting astonishment. "I thought you were a
tremendous man of your word?"

"There are circumstances under which I am not; if I promise to commit
suicide, I am justified in saner moments in changing my mind."

"I didn't exactly promise either," said Pliny, thoughtfully. "I had just
brains enough left for that. Well, Mallery, I'll be hanged if I haven't
a mind to promise you; I'm sure I've no desire to go, it's only that
confounded way I have of blundering into engagements."

"I'm waiting," said Theodore, gravely.

"Well, I _won't_ go."

"Thank you;" this time he smiled, and added:

"How about the other matter, Pliny?"

"That is different;" said Pliny, restlessly. "Not so easily decided on.
I don't more than half understand you, and yet--yes, I know
theoretically what you want of me. Theodore, I'll think of it."

A little quickly checked sigh escaped Theodore; he must bide his time,
but a great point had been gained. There came a tapping at the chamber
door. Theodore went forward and opened it, and Pliny, listening, heard a
clear, smoothly modulated voice ask:

"Will your friend take breakfast with you, Theodore, and have you any
directions?"

"No special directions," answered Theodore, smiling. "Is that a hint
that we are woefully late, Winny? It is too bad; we will be down very
soon now."

"I'm a selfish dog, with all the rest," Pliny said, sighing heavily, as
he went around making a hurried toilet. "How is it that you have any
time to waste on a wretch like myself? Did you ever have your head whirl
around like a spinning wheel, Mallery?"

"I sent a note to Mr. Stephens early this morning, saying I should not
be at the store until late. Try ice water for your head, Pliny." This
was Theodore's reply to the last query.

The dainty little breakfast room, all in a glow of sunlight, and bright
with ivy and geranium, looked like a patch of paradise to Pliny
Hastings' splendor-wearied eyes. Winny presided at the table in a
crimson dress--that young lady was very fond of crimson dresses--and
fitted very nicely into the clear, crisp, fresh brightness of everything
about her. Pliny drank the strong coffee that she poured him with a
relish, and though he shook his head with inward disgust at the sight or
thought of food, gradually the spinning-wheel revolved more and more
slowly, and ere the meal was concluded, he was tal