r." John smiled. "There are a great
many wrong ways and I am finding them all, one by one."

Sir Peter concealed his impatience; the dull ache in Phyllis's heart
continued, she knew not why.

"I met Miss Oglebay at Saint Ruth's some months ago. I think I must tell
you, sir, that from the very first moment I loved her."

Sir Peter half rose from his chair, in his sudden astonishment.

"The devil you say!" he gasped. "Upon my word, this is effrontery. You
amaze me, Landless. You must have lost your senses. My niece"--he turned
to Phyllis. Something he saw in her face diverted the torrent "Has
Landless spoken of this to you?" he asked grimly.

"Yes, Uncle Peter. He told me yesterday that he--he cared for me, and we
both hurried home to tell you, but you were----"

Sir Peter was out of his chair, and on his feet, now.

"You spoke to my niece before you came to me, Landless; knowing that I
had met you--not more than three times, at most; that you had been in my
house but once?" His voice was raised, his scowl threatening.

"I am sorry to have seen so little of you, sir," said John. "But I have
seen a great deal of Phyllis."

"Where, sir?" demanded Sir Peter.

"At Saint Ruth's, and in its neighborhood," John answered evenly. "We
have worked there together."

"How long has this been going on?" Sir Peter had regained control of
himself, but his fine face was distorted. Phyllis's hands were clenched
tightly in her lap. She was very pale.

"If you mean how long have we been meeting each other there, and going
about in the neighborhood together----"

"I think my meaning is clear, sir."

"About four months, then. It seems a short time, but we have seen each
other almost every day."

"Landless, you are a sneak," said Sir Peter quietly. "You are a damned
sneak."

John's face flamed; he started as if struck by a whip.

"Oh, no! Uncle Peter!" cried Phyllis. "Oh, no, no! Uncle Peter."

"Leave the house, Landless."

"But Mr. Landless is my guest!" She was as pale as death, now, and
breathing hurriedly; her eyes were unnaturally large, and there was a
stricken look in them.

"You heard what I said, Landless." The voice was unyielding.

John moved toward the door, chin up and shoulders squared. Phyllis
intercepted him swiftly, and put both hands appealingly on his arm.

"Wait a moment, John. Oh, wait a moment for my sake, John," she pleaded.

"I can't," said John. "You know that I can't."

"Ah, but you must, J