determination to have no part in
it, and then did the one thing which Mrs. Thatcher most desired by
inviting them all to his home. Such is the innate inconsistency of man
when he attempts to defeat the plans of a clever woman who always has
her way!

Yet, curiously enough, Huntington believed that he was acting on his own
initiative, and that this plot of his to have the girl near by, where he
could again enjoy her companionship without betraying how much she had
become to him, was a triumph of diplomatic genius. He even dreaded lest
a refusal of his hospitality should defeat his carefully-laid plans,
never realizing that the idea itself had come through the most delicate
psychological suggestion between the lines of a letter which touched on
every subject but the one in point. Such is the inevitable climax of
man's originality when his plans include feminine co-operation!

Hamlen did not again refer to the matter on which he had sought advice
until Huntington told him that the Thatchers were to arrive. Then his
manner took on that phase which his host knew well, and the old
apprehensiveness returned. The change was so noticeable that it could
not be passed by without comment.

"Don't you want to see them?" Huntington demanded flatly. "You act as if
their coming really frightened you."

"It does," Hamlen admitted frankly.

"Why should it?"

Huntington had come closely enough to him now to speak pointedly, and
Hamlen seemed grateful for it. He wanted to be treated like other men,
even though at times the new experience hurt; and his friend more and
more took him at his word. "Why should it?" Huntington repeated.

"Because I can't trust myself yet. All is going so well that I fear
something may happen to cause a setback."

"Nonsense! The old dread of meeting people hasn't worn off yet, but you
are making splendid strides. I shall be proud to have Mrs. Thatcher see
you as you are now."

"I am not myself when I am with her," Hamlen insisted, avoiding his
friend's eyes as he spoke.

"If you prefer, I'll put you up at the Club while they're here."

"I should prefer it; but I think I had better fight it out while I have
you near at hand to help me."

There was a new note of determination in his voice, but the dread was
still there. "I do not want to marry Miss Thatcher, Huntington," he said
slowly, with emphasis on every word; "yet unless you help me I shall do
it. I cannot resist Mrs. Thatcher if she is determi