was
clearly her duty to speak to Thurston on the subject, and, repugnant as
the task was, she resolved to perform it. It was some time before she
had the opportunity.

But at last, one afternoon in February, she chanced to meet Thurston on
the sea beach. After greeting him, she candidly opened the subject. She
spoke gently and delicately, but firmly and plainly--more so, perhaps,
than another woman in the same position would have done, for Marian was
eminently frank and fearless, especially where conscience was concerned.

And Thurston met her arguments with a graceful nonchalance, as seemingly
polite and good-humored as it was really ironical and insulting.

Marian gave him time--she was patient as firm--and firm as sorrowful.
And until every argument and persuasion had failed, she said:

"As a last resort, it may be necessary for me to warn Miss Le Roy--not
for my own sake. Were I alone involved, you know how much I would endure
rather than grieve you. But this young lady must not suffer wrong."

"You will write her an anonymous letter, possibly?"

"No--I never take an indirect road to an object."

"What, then, can you do, fair saint?"

"See Miss Le Roy, personally."

"Ha! ha! ha! What apology could you possibly make for such an
unwarrantable interference?"

"The Lord knoweth! I do not now. But I trust to be able to save her
without--revealing you."

"Do you imagine that vague warnings would have any effect upon her?"

"Coming from me they would."

"Heavens! What a self-worshiper! But selfishness is your normal state,
Marian! Self-love is your only affection--self-adulation your only
enthusiasm--self-worship your only religion! You do not desire to be
loved--you wish only to be honored! The love I offered you, you trampled
underfoot! You have no heart, you have only a brain! You cannot love,
you only think! Nor have you any need of love, but only of power!
Applause is your vital breath, your native air! To hear your name and
praise on every tongue--that is your highest ambition! Such a woman
should be a gorgon of ugliness that men might not waste their hearts'
wealth upon her!" exclaimed Thurston, bitterly, gazing with murky eyes,
that smoldered with suppressed passion, upon the beautiful girl before
him.

Marian was standing with her eyes fixed abstractedly upon a distant
sail. Now the tears swelled under the large white eyelids and hung
glittering on the level lashes, and her lip quivered and her