to her own
class. Her every word suggested to him that he was to her an outsider,
one to whom she could speak only as an inferior. A thousand things
which he thought he wanted to say to her had altogether escaped him,
and for a few seconds he stood dumb and confused.

"Of course, it is about this election, in a way," he stammered
presently. "I--I--you see, it means a great deal to me----" And then
he ceased speaking again. Somehow the words would not come.

He saw the smile of contempt which passed over her face, and he thought
he understood the meaning of it. Perhaps it was the best thing that
could have happened to him, for now his anger was aroused, and he saw
his way clearly.

"No, no, Miss Bolitho. Do not think that I have come to whine to you,
or to make complaints in any way--that is about the things you are
thinking of. It's not that. I am prepared to fight my battle without
seeking quarter in any direction--that is, any direction that is fair.
I have never had a public-school education, but I think I know the
meaning of the term, 'Playing the game.'"

She looked puzzled for a minute, and then he saw a flush mount her face.

"I am afraid I do not understand you!"

"The circumstances of my life have not made me an adept in talking with
young ladies," said Paul. "Doubtless you think me rude and clownish,
and perhaps you are right, but I hope I have nothing but true feelings
at heart. You are fighting for your father in this election, Miss
Bolitho, and I do not complain in the least. You hope he will win, and
you are using every legitimate means to obtain votes for him--that is
right, that is fair; but, Miss Bolitho, there is something which I
regard very sacred: perhaps the most sacred thing in the world to me is
the love of my mother, and the thought of her good name. I will not
tell you how she has suffered for me, and how she loves me, but I hope
you will believe me when I say that I regard anything which will
blacken her name as the greatest insult that can be offered to myself.
Have I made myself understood?"

The flush on the girl's face deepened; she knew what he meant.

"I do not mind what people say about me so much," said Paul. "I am
able to defend myself, at least when I have fair play. There have been
times when I have not been able to do so successfully, still time has
been on my side, and justice has been done to me. But can you
understand, Miss Bolitho, what a man feels, whe