n was necessary to transact legitimate business, and
it would not be long before the gossips got busy to her disparagement.
For that reason she preferred to resign. Besides, it would be fairer
to him. He had not even hinted at her taking such a course, but if she
was to consider his proposal of marriage seriously--and each day the
conviction grew stronger that it was her destiny--it was only proper
that she should retire at once into private life and give people time
to forget what she was before she became Robert Stafford's wife.

But while this judicious step naturally resulted in a serious
curtailment of her income, she was not idle. She helped Fanny in the
millinery store, and, in order to keep herself in pocket money, gave
private lessons to beginners. These tasks kept her fully occupied, and
what with her studies and household duties the days went by cheerfully
enough.

Stafford was a regular and welcome caller at the Blaine home. He often
came to take the sisters out for a spin in his splendid new touring
car, a forty-horse-power Mercedes, and sometimes he would telephone
from downtown and arrange for a little theatre party with supper
afterwards at one of the fashionable night restaurants of the Great
White Way.

Fanny and Jimmie looked upon the couple as if they were engaged and
treated Stafford accordingly, addressing him with the easy familiarity
of a future brother-in-law, an attitude which he himself tactfully
encouraged. He went out of his way to be amiable to Fanny, flattering
her and making her presents, and encouraging Jimmie to talk of his
wonderful ideas. Moreover, he gave him plainly to understand that,
once Virginia and he were married, the shipping clerk's impecunious
days would be over and a comfortable berth would be awaiting him in
his office at a salary commensurate with his exceptional ability.

This semi-promise was enough for Jimmie. From that moment on he was a
changed man and Virginia knew no peace. He insisted that she was
treating Stafford unfairly. If she did not want to marry him she
should say so, and if she did intend to marry him she should be
willing to name the day. As it was, she was standing in the way of her
sister's prosperity and happiness. At the same time Fanny also added
her powers of persuasion. Between the two Virginia felt that she had
not much will of her own left.

Thus the weeks passed, Stafford respectful and devoted, but daily
growing more restive and impatie