ankness meant much. It
was plain that she meant to break with Jim but felt she needed help.

"What are you going to do about it?" he asked.

"I don't know," she said drearily. "I can't go on."

Mordaunt made a sign of sympathetic agreement. "You cannot; but there
is a way out. I think you see the way. Durst I hope you'll take it
with me?"

Evelyn said nothing and turned her head, and he went on: "I'm not
utilitarian, and my rule is yours. We understand each other. My
talents will be used to amuse you and not to dig drains." He got up
and stood by her chair. "You have pluck, Evelyn. Tell Jim you have
found you cheated yourself and let him go."

"I haven't much pluck," she said, quietly. "Jim rather carried me
away. He stood for romance, struggle, and adventure; things I haven't
known. He's a man, a plain, hot-blooded fighting man, and I was tired
of conventional languidness. But I began to doubt and see I wasn't
strong enough to live his life. I had wrapped myself up in flimsy
artificialities until they got needful and I couldn't break loose."
She paused and looked up. "Well, you are my kind, Lance, and if you
want me, I am willing. I'll tell Jim, but I shrink. He may not
understand, and it will hurt us both."

Mordaunt thought for a moment. It might be better if Evelyn did not
tell Jim, and he was afraid Dick would meddle. He took and kissed her
hand.

"My dear!" he said. "But you must not get hurt, and I have a plan.
Hasn't Florence urged you to stop with her in town? Well, suppose you
go and I join you there? We can be married by license and go to France
or Italy. Before we come back Jim's disappointment will have cooled
and our friends have got over their surprise."

Evelyn saw the plan had advantages. It would obviate the need for
awkward apologies, and when she and Lance came back it would be too
late for people to disapprove. She agreed and submitted without
emotion when Mordaunt put his arm round her, but in spite of some
regrets she was firm. Romance had been a treacherous guide; she had
found this out and was logical again. When Mordaunt went away all had
been arranged, and when she sat down to write to Florence in London her
hand was steady and composition easy. After the note was written she
hesitated for a moment, and then resolutely fastened the envelope.

A few days after Evelyn went to town, Dick, coming back from shooting
one afternoon, met Tom Shanks on the marsh.