idea--said she knew
you would accept. And so you've got the whole truth now, Jim. You've
got to accept, old man. I want to make her feel that her word is law
with me. Don't you think that would please her?"

"It ought to please any woman," was the slow, thoughtful reply.

"Tell me, do you think I've got a chance with a girl like that? You
know I've never gone with girls much. I'm timid and awkward. I don't
know what to do or what to say. But my money will help, won't it?"

"Money always helps in this town, Cal."

"And it means so much to a woman too,--don't it?"

"Yes. Have you said anything to Miss Nan yet?"

"Lord, no! Haven't dared. Just get drunk looking at her every time I
see her, but I couldn't open my mouth if I tried. I'm kinder shying up
to the old lady to get her on my side. She seems awfully friendly. I
think she likes me. Don't you think it a good plan to cultivate her?"

"By all means," was the dry reply.

"Say, for God's sake, Jim, help me. Take this attorneyship. It will
please her and I'll make you rich. Come in with me and you'll never
regret it. I know my folks were not your social equals in the old days
down South. But you know as well as I do that money talks here. Have
common sense. Look at things as they are. Come in with me and let's get
at these Yankees. They left you and me cradles of poverty. They owe us
something. Come in with me and we'll get it!"

There was no mistaking the genuineness of Bivens's feelings. Stuart
knew that he felt deeply and sincerely every word that he uttered. The
first rush of his anger had died away and he begun to realize the
pathos of the little man's appeal. He forgot for the moment that he was
a millionaire and had made his money by devious tricks with that
smooth, delicately moulded hand. He only saw that Bivens, his old
schoolmate, had unconsciously fallen into a trap. A word from him--the
word he wished spoken, and the woman he loved would be lost. He had but
to speak that word, accept the generous offer made in good faith, and
every cloud between him and Nan would vanish! They could be married at
once and the future was secure. All he had to do was to keep silent for
the moment as to his real relations to Nan and compromise his sense of
honour by accepting the wages of a man whose principles he despised.
His decision was made without a moment's hesitation. It was yet the
morning of life.

"I refuse the offer, Cal," he said firmly.

Bivens rose qui