as a black rock to a tawny torrent.
Griggs had neither the manner nor the temper which wins women's hearts
as a rule. Such men are sometimes loved by women when their sorrow has
chained them to the rock of horror, and grief insatiable tears out their
broken hearts. But in their strength they are not loved. They cannot
give themselves yet, for their strength hinders them, and women think
them miserly of words and of love's little coin of change. If they get
love at last, it is as the pity which the unhurt weak feel for the
ruined strong.

Gloria was not above irritating Griggs occasionally, when the fancy took
her to seek amusement in that way. She knew how to do it, and he rarely
turned upon her, even in the most gentle way.

"We are good friends, are we not?" she asked one day, when it was
raining and he was alone with her, waiting for her father to come in.

"I hope so," he answered, turning his impassive face slowly towards her.

"Then you ought to be much nicer to me," she said.

"I am as nice as I know how to be," replied Griggs, with fixed eyes.
"What shall I do?"

"That is it. You ought to know. You could talk and say pleasant things,
for instance. Don't you admit that you are very dull to-day?"

"I admit it. I regret it, and I wish I were not."

"You need not be. I am sure you can talk very well, when you please. You
are not exactly funny at any time, but to-day you are funereal. You
remind me of those big black horses they use for hearses, you know."

"Thank you, thank you," said Griggs, quietly, repeating the words
without emphasis.

"I don't like you!" she exclaimed petulantly, but with a little laugh.

"I know that," he answered. "But I like you very much. We were probably
meant to differ."

"Then you might amuse me. It's awfully dull when it rains. Pull the
house down, or tear up silver scudi, or something."

"I am not Samson, and I am not a clown," observed Griggs, coldly.

"I shall never like you if you are so disagreeable," said Gloria, taking
up a book, and settling herself to read.

"I am afraid you never will," answered Griggs, following her example.

A few minutes passed in silence. Then Gloria looked up suddenly.

"Mr. Griggs?"

"Yes?"

"I did not mean to be horrid."

"No, of course not."

"Because, if I were ever in trouble, you know--I should come straight to
you."

"Thank you," he answered very gently. "But I hope you will never be in
trouble. If you ever should be--"