at it was clever. I don't wish to hear anything about
it. I cannot come with you to-day. I have to do some copying."

"Why do you say copying?"

"Because I always copy the manuscripts faithfully before Mr. Franks has
them for the _Argonaut_. He is waiting, and I am a slow writer."

"Shall I copy the story for you?"

"Not for all the world," replied Florence, startled at her own
vehemence.

Trevor rose, a look of annoyance on his face.

"I am sorry you should think of my offer of help in that spirit," he
said; "you don't quite understand: perhaps some day I may be able to
make things plain to you. I take a great, a very great interest in you.
You have brought--"

"What?" said Florence.

"You have brought a great anxiety and trouble into my life, as well as
a very great absorbing interest; but I can say no more now."

"If you will go away," said Florence, "I will begin to work. I have a
headache, and am confused. Go away and come again, if you like. I shall
be better the next time you come."

"Why won't you tell me what is troubling you?"

"How do you know anything troubles me?"

"How do I know?" said Trevor. "I have eyes--that is all: eyes and a
certain amount of intuition," he added.

"I cannot go to-day," said Florence, who took no notice of his words,
"but perhaps on Sunday I may go to see your mother. Will you be there
then?"

"Yes: did you not hear? I have broken with Mrs. Aylmer."

"What?" said Florence. She forgot herself in her excitement. She came
two or three steps forward; her hands were clasped tightly together.

"Yes; I cannot stand the life. Mrs. Aylmer is very kind to me, and means
well; but so long as she is so cruel to you I cannot endure it. I have
told her so, and I am going to earn my own living in the future. I am no
longer a rich man--indeed, I am a very poor one; but I have brains and I
think I have pluck, and some day I am certain I shall succeed."

Trevor held himself erect, and his eyes, full of suppressed fire, were
fixed on Florence's face. He wanted her to say she was glad; he wanted
to get a word of sympathy from her. On the contrary, she turned very
white, and said, in a low, almost broken voice: "Oh, I am terribly
sorry! Why have you done this?"

"You are _sorry_?"

"Yes, I am."

"I have done it for you. I cannot stand injustice."

"I could never under any circumstances accept Mrs. Aylmer's money," said
Florence. "You do me no good, and yourself harm; and then yo