ject of the broken
engagement.

"If you would be a fool, you must be prepared to suffer for it. Never
was more surprised in my life than to hear of it, when it first came
off. Thought you had gone off your head. When I was at home with you
last, there was no sign of such nonsense. Can't think what on earth
possessed you!"

"She was so pretty and charming, and seemed so much interested in all I
did! Vanity was at the bottom of it, I suppose. I was flattered and
interested, just when I was down on my luck, and needed it most. I--I--
I must make a clean breast of it, Jim, and tell you the truth! Of
course, it was Maud I cared for first; I can see now that I have loved
her all through, but she was so reserved with me, and kept me at such a
distance, that I thought she wanted to show me that I had no chance.
Then Lilias came home, and I was captivated by her lovely face and
pretty ways. She seemed to turn to me for advice and sympathy, to be so
pleased to see me, so sorry when I left, that--that--ah, well, you know
the rest! I was a fool, as I daresay many a man has been before me; and
though I was miserable enough, I never discovered why, until Lilias
herself pointed it out. She accused me of caring for Maud more than for
her--in Maud's presence, too--when we three were alone together!"

Jim's lips met in a significant whistle.

"The little wretch! She ought to be shaken! My poor old Maud, that was
rough on her. What did she do or say?"

"Begged me to take no notice, and pleaded for Lilias, like the angel she
is. But I was knocked completely over, didn't know what I was doing,
and told her straight out that it was true. Perhaps I should not have
done it, but I could not help myself, and she gave me one look, just
one! Oh, Jim, old man, if this crash has shown me the awful mistake I
was making, it will be indeed a blessing in disguise. I will work like
ten men, I will laugh at difficulties, I will do anything and
everything, if only, only I can win Maud in the end. You will be my
friend, won't you? You will help me, and tell her what I hope?"

"Not if I know it!" returned Jim, with masculine candour. "You have
done quite enough mischief for the time, old chap, and had better lie
low until things have blown over. I've a great deal too much respect
for Maud, to suggest that she should adopt you as her lover the moment
you are dropped by Lilias. Wait a year or two until you have made your
position,