moment as if in surprise, and then, with a smile of
rare sweetness on his white lips, he said, "I thank you," and passed
out, going feebly like a man who has got a death wound.

CHAPTER XXIII

A GOOD TRUE FRIEND

It was springtime and the parks and avenues were in all the dainty
splendor of their new leaves. The afternoon May sun was flooding the
city with gold and silver light, and all the air was tremulous with the
singing of birds. A good day it was to live if one could only live in
the sunny air within sight of the green leaves and within sound of the
singing birds. A day for life and love it was; at least so Kate thought
as she drew up her prancing team at the St. Clair house where Harry
stood waiting for her.

"DEAR Kate," he cried, "how stunning you are! I love you!"

"Come, Harry, jump up! Breton is getting excited."

"Stony-hearted wretch," grumbled Harry. "Did you hear me tell you I love
you?"

"Nonsense, Harry, jump in; I'll report to Lily Langford."

"Don't tell," pleaded Harry, "and do keep Breton on all fours. This
isn't a circus. You terrify me."

"We have only time to make the train, hurry up!" cried Kate. "Steady, my
boys."

"Some day, Kate, those 'boys' of yours will be your death or the death
of some of your friends," said Harry, as he sprang in and took his place
beside Kate. "That Breton ought to be shot. It really affects my heart
to drive with you."

"You haven't any, Harry, you know that right well, so don't be alarmed."

"Quite true," said Harry, sentimentally, "not since that night, don't
you remember, Kate, when you--"

"Now, Harry, I only remind you that I always tell my girl friends
everything you say. It is this wedding that's got into your blood."

"I suppose so," murmured Harry, pensively; "wish it would get into
yours. Now seriously, Kate, at your years you ought--"

"Harry," said Kate, indignantly, "I really don't need you at the
station. I can meet your aunt quite well without you. Shall I set you
down here, or drive you to the office?"

"Oh, not to the office, I entreat! I entreat! Anything but that! Surely
I may be allowed this day! I shall be careful of your sensitive points,
but I do hope this wedding of Maimie's will give you serious thoughts."

Kate was silent, giving her attention doubtless to her team. Then, with
seeming irrelevance, she said: "Didn't I see Colonel Thorp yesterday in
town?"

"Yes, the old heathen! I haven't forgiven him for taking