that they didn't do it long
ago," she went on, her anger rising to the bait of his expression.

"Your opinions are always interesting," he replied. "If you have
nothing further I'll ask your permission to relieve you of----"

"No," she interrupted. "I've not said what I wished to say. You're
making it hard for me. I can't get accustomed to the change in you
since last year. There used to be a good side to you, a side one could
appeal to. And I want to talk about--Fred. You're RUINING him."

"You flatter me." He bowed mockingly. "But I doubt if HE'D feel
flattered."

"I've told him the same thing, but you're too strong for me." Her voice
trembled; she steadied it with a frown. "I can't influence him any
longer."

"Really, Miss Shrewsbury----"

"Please!" she said. "Fred and I were engaged. I broke it last night.
I broke it because--you know why."

Scarborough flushed crimson.

"Oh," he said. "I didn't know he was engaged."

"I know you, Hampden Scarborough," Olivia continued. "I've understood
why you've been degrading yourself. And I haven't blamed you--though
I've wondered at your lack of manhood."

"You are imposing on my courtesy," he said haughtily.

"I can't help it. You and I must talk this thing to the end. You're
robbing me of the man I love. Worse than that, you're destroying him,
dragging him down to a level at which HE may stay, while YOU are sure
to rise again. You've got your living to make--I don't agree with
those who think you'll become a professional gambler. But he his
father's rich and indulgent, and--God only knows how low he'll sink if
you keep on pushing him."

"You are excited, hysterical. You misjudge him, believe me," said
Scarborough, gently.

"No--I know he's not depraved--yet. Do you think _I_ could care for
him if he were?"

"I hope so. That's when he'd need it most."

Olivia grew red. "Well, perhaps I should. I'm a fool, like all women.
But I ask you to let him alone, to give his better self a chance."

"Why not ask him to let ME alone--to give MY better nature a chance?"

"You--laughing at me in these circumstances! You who pretended to be a
man, pretended to love Pauline Gardiner----"

He started and his eyes blazed, as if she had cut him across the face
with a whip. Then he drew himself up with an expression of insolent
fury. His lips, his sharp white teeth, were cruel.

She bore his look without flinching.

"Yes," she went on, "you think