ed Mrs. Keith. "It would be a great thing if he
could be allowed to spend his last years in quietness. I fear that's
impossible, although perhaps to some extent it lies in your hands."
She looked steadily at Blake. "Now that you have come back, what do
you mean to do?"

"Whatever is needful; I'm for the defense. The Colonel's position
can't be stormed while I'm on guard; and this time there'll be no
retreat."

"Don't add that, Dick; it hurts me. I'm not so hard as I sometimes
pretend. I never doubted your staunchness; but I wonder whether you
quite realize what the defense may cost you. Have you thought about
your future?"

"You ought to know that the Blakes never think of the future. We're a
happy-go-lucky, irresponsible lot."

"But suppose you wished to marry?"

"It's a difficulty that has already been pointed out. If I ever marry,
the girl I choose will believe in me in spite of appearances. In fact,
she'll have to: I have no medals and decorations to bring her."

"You have much that's worth more!" Mrs. Keith declared warmly, moved
by his steadfastness. "Still, it's a severe test for any girl." She
laid her hand gently on his arm. "In the end, you won't regret the
course you mean to take. I have lived a long while and have lost many
pleasant illusions, but I believe that loyalty like yours has its
reward. I loved you for your mother's sake when you were a boy;
afterward when things looked blackest I kept my faith in you, and now
I'm proud that I did so."

Blake looked confused.

"Confidence like yours is an embarrassing gift. It makes one feel that
one must live up to it; and that isn't easy."

Mrs. Keith regarded him affectionately.

"It's yours, Dick; given without reserve. But I think there's nothing
more to be said; and the Colonel will be expecting you."

They moved toward the hall as she spoke; and when Blake had gone Mrs.
Keith looked searchingly at Millicent. The girl's face shone with a
happiness which she could not conceal: she knew that Blake loved her;
and she knew, too, that she loved Blake; but she was not ready to admit
this to Mrs. Keith.

CHAPTER XXIII

SOLVING THE PROBLEM

Dinner was finished at Sandymere, Miss Challoner had gone out, and, in
accordance with ancient custom, the cloth had been removed from the
great mahogany table. Its glistening surface was broken only by a
decanter, two choice wine-glasses, and a tall silver candlestick.
Lighting a ciga