nness in the man's nature. He likes to be first in
the field; but he would acclaim with delight another man's scientific
triumph--if another anticipated him; for would it not mean a triumph for
universal science?--and is not the advancement of science Sebastian's
religion? But... he would do almost as much, or more. He would stab a
man without remorse, if he thought that by stabbing him he could advance
knowledge."

I recognised at once the truth of her diagnosis. "Nurse Wade," I cried,
"you are a wonderful woman! I believe you are right; but--how did you
come to think of it?"

A cloud passed over her brow. "I have reason to know it," she answered,
slowly. Then her voice changed. "Take another muffin."

I helped myself and paused. I laid down my cup, and gazed at her. What a
beautiful, tender, sympathetic face! And yet, how able! She stirred the
fire uneasily. I looked and hesitated. I had often wondered why I never
dared ask Hilda Wade one question that was nearest my heart. I think it
must have been because I respected her so profoundly. The deeper your
admiration and respect for a woman, the harder you find it in the end
to ask her. At last I ALMOST made up my mind. "I cannot think," I began,
"what can have induced a girl like you, with means and friends, with
brains and"--I drew back, then I plumped it out--"beauty, to take to
such a life as this--a life which seems, in many ways, so unworthy of
you!"

She stirred the fire more pensively than ever, and rearranged the
muffin-dish on the little wrought-iron stand in font of the grate. "And
yet," she murmured, looking down, "what life can be better than the
service of one's kind? You think it a great life for Sebastian!"

"Sebastian! He is a man. That is different; quite different. But a
woman! Especially YOU, dear lady, for whom one feels that nothing
is quite high enough, quite pure enough, quite good enough. I cannot
imagine how--"

She checked me with one wave of her gracious hand. Her movements were
always slow and dignified. "I have a Plan in my life," she answered
earnestly, her eyes meeting mine with a sincere, frank gaze; "a Plan to
which I have resolved to sacrifice everything. It absorbs my being. Till
that Plan is fulfilled--" I saw the tears were gathering fast on her
lashes. She suppressed them with an effort. "Say no more," she added,
faltering. "Infirm of purpose! I WILL not listen."

I leant forward eagerly, pressing my advantage. The air was e