empted to entangle herself with
cads like Kresney, just because she feels dull and lonely. That's the
source of half the catastrophes one hears of in this country; and in
nine cases out of ten I blame the husband more than the wife. You see,
I happen to believe that when a man takes a woman's life into his
hands, he makes himself responsible not only for her honour, but for
her happiness and well-being. I'm not setting up a standard for other
fellows, remember. I am simply stating my own by way of explanation."

Honor's eyes shone with a very tender light.

"I can only say that Evelyn is--a singularly fortunate woman. If most
men held such views there would be ninety per cent fewer marriages in
the world."

"Possibly. But that doesn't put me in the wrong. Now, I have set the
picture before you as I see it----"

"Yes, with the core of it left out,--the loss to you and to the
Regiment."

"Oh, hang it all!" Desmond protested with an embarrassed laugh. "One's
bound to leave out something. That's the whole art of making a decent
picture! But it strikes me we've had enough of argument. Whether I
have convinced you or not, Honor, you _must_ let me off that promise."

The girl held her breath, nerving herself for a last desperate stand.

"Forgive me, if you know how, Theo," she said; "but I cannot--I will
not give up my right to save you from yourself."

Desmond simply raised his head and looked at her, as though he could
not believe that he had heard aright; and when at last he spoke, his
voice had the level note of authority which she had been dreading to
hear.

"At the risk of seeming brutal, Honor, I warn you that I'll not give
you one minute's peace till you unsay those words--for Ladybird's
sake."

Then, to his unspeakable consternation, she took a step backward and
sank into the chair behind her, pressing both hands over her eyes.

"Do whatever you think right," she murmured brokenly. "You are too
strong for me altogether."

There are victories more bitter than defeat; and Desmond had no words
in which to answer this girl, who cared so strangely, so intensely,
much what became of him.

When a woman breaks down utterly in the presence of the man who loves
her--whether he dare acknowledge it or no--words are not apt to meet
the exigencies of the case; and Desmond had no other panacea at his
command. He could only stand looking down upon her, his hands thrust
deep into his pockets, as if he feared that they