our
hands then, I really believe his outlook on life would have been
clearer and finer. He has associated with those who have coloured his
views by--well, let us say, artificial lights. Still, the boy is the
best of his kind--I will say that for him. I hope I can make you
believe that I have come to you to-day entirely for your own best
interests--not his!"

And now the steely eyes met the soft brown ones and demanded the
nearest approach to truth that Olive Treadwell had to offer. She
flushed and went back to her former place of safety and tried again.

"Let us resort to no subterfuge," she said with a charming smile.

"Thank you," Levi nodded and again lowered his lids.

"To be quite frank, then, what I mean is this: I recognize that you are
one of the few men who regard your wealth as a trust; your capacity for
acquiring wealth a talent for which you are responsible. As I said
before, I feel that had I realized your true motives at the time Lans
graduated from preparatory school, I would have been eager to place him
in your charge to learn the great business of life and the use of
wealth in your way. I made an error; I confess it willingly. Since
then I have heard of your wise and private charities----"

"I never give charity, madam!"

"You are so modest! Well, your understanding helpfulness."

"Simply good business, madam."

"Very well--good business! and that brings me to my point. I have
always said that if I must trust myself, my confidence, or my money to
anyone, I would choose a person who, by training, instincts, and
possibilities most nearly was akin to myself. I sincerely believe
inheritance and blood do count. Now just suppose----" Mrs. Treadwell
gingerly put her weight on the next footing; "suppose you were obliged
to intrust your wealth and future interests to one of two men, would
you not feel safer in the hands of the man who, for family reasons and
by inherited tastes, could understand you and your ideals?"

"Certainly, madam."

"You know when a test comes you have to take a good deal for granted in
one who has no tie of blood to hold him to you?"

"May I request, madam, that you tell me exactly what you mean in as few
words as possible? I see that you are embarrassed by what you have
been kind enough to come to tell me--I believe it will help us both if
you state your facts without further explanation or preparation."

The tide had carried Olive Treadwell out into midstream-