ke a good name is restored to me I shall find it hard
to get another. You can have no idea of what that means. I had none,
until I had to face it. There's only one kind of work I'm fitted
for--the kind I've been doing; but it's just the kind I can't have
without the--the reputation you could give back to me."

That this appeal was not without its effect was evident from the way in
which his expressive brown eyes clouded, while he stroked his black
beard nervously. The fact that his pity was largely for himself--that
with instincts naturally chivalrous he should be driven to these
miserable verbal shifts--being unknown to Diane, she was encouraged to
proceed.

"You see," she went on, eagerly, "it wouldn't only bring me happiness,
but it would add to your own. You're at the beginning of a new life,
just like me--or, rather, just as I could be if you'd give me the
chance. Think what it would be for you to enter on it, I won't say with
a clear conscience, but with the knowledge that in rising yourself you
had helped an unhappy woman up, instead of thrusting her further down!
It isn't as if it would be so hard for you, Bienville. I'd make it easy
for you. Miss Grimston would help me. Wouldn't you?" she added, turning
toward Marion. "It could all be done quite simply and confidentially
between ourselves--and Mr. Pruyn."

"Oh no, it couldn't," he said, coldly. "If I were to admit what you
imply, secrecy wouldn't be of any use to me."

"Does that mean," she asked, fixing her earnest eyes upon him, "that you
don't admit it?"

"It means," he said, rising quietly and standing behind his chair, "that
this conversation is extremely painful to me, and I must ask to be
excused from taking any further part in it. I know only vaguely what you
mean, Madame; and if I don't inquire more in detail, it's because I want
to spare you distressing explanations. I think you must agree with me,
Mademoiselle," he continued, looking toward Miss Grimston, "that we
should all be well advised in letting the subject drop."

Marion came slowly forward, advancing to the side of Diane, over whose
shoulder, as she remained seated, she allowed her hand to fall, in a
pose suggestive of protection.

"Of course, Monsieur," she agreed, "we must let the subject drop, if you
have nothing more to say."

He stood silent a minute, looking at her steadily. "I'm afraid I
haven't," he said, then.

"Nor I," Miss Grimston returned, significantly.

Again there