replied gently, "and ignorant of the
evil of which there is such a plenty in the world. She is very, very
much in love with her promised husband and if he told her that black
is white the dazzle in her eyes would make her see it white. But,
Felix, it is just because she is so young, so innocent and so much at
the mercy of her loving heart that I must speak plainly to you. I
don't expect you to be entirely worthy of such a wealth of pure young
love as she gives you. The man doesn't live who is clean enough in
heart and in life to be worthy of such a treasure. But I do expect you
to be, Felix, and I must assure myself that you are, clean enough and
honorable enough not to blight all the rest of her life. What is past
is past, but from now on there must be nothing that will not bear the
light of day."

Brand was moving slowly back and forth, his countenance expressive of
inward debate and hesitation. He was asking himself if it would not be
the wisest plan to lay his trouble frankly before the physician and
ask for his help. But his pride and his confidence in himself drew
back from such a step.

No, he told himself, nobody must know. It must be kept in the darkest
secrecy--suppose the thing should get out, and into the papers! His
heart quaked at the thought. And he could not feel sure what view Dr.
Annister would take of the truth--he might forbid the marriage with
Mildred. No, he would keep the truth locked in his own breast and
fight his battle alone. Well, he was sure of winning. It might take a
little time, but he had no doubt of the outcome. Nevertheless, there
was some uncertainty in his manner, though his courteous tones were
firm enough as he said:

"If you will not take my word--and permit me to say, Dr. Annister,
that it has never been doubted before--what more can I say?"

"You can tell me the truth, Felix," bluntly replied his prospective
father-in-law. "I am fond of you, my boy, very fond of you,--I think
you know that. I am proud of your genius and I expect to see you
become one of the most famous architects of our time. More than
anything else in the world I want to see my little girl as happy, as
your wife, as her love deserves she should be. But I must tell you
frankly, Felix, that I am afraid. I am afraid for you and your future
and very much afraid for that of my daughter with you. That's why I
feel I must speak as plainly as I am going to. I wish you would make
it easier for me by meeting me hal