vantageous introduction;
after that he had no immediate need of her company. He was of the
opinion that she was entirely ignorant of the man's character and
motives, although she was unwittingly an important instrument in his
hands. Stephen longed to reveal the truth of the situation to her, but
dared not; at any rate, thought he, not until the proper time came. Then
she would be enabled to appreciate for herself the trend of the whole
affair.

"Can I ask ye," inquired Jim in a voice that indicated timidity, "will
this affair--I mean, d'ye s'ppse this thing 'll bring us t' eny harm, 'r
thet they'll be a disorder?"

Stephen's eyes danced with excitement.

"Do they observe the courtesies of the law? If it comes to the worst,
yes,--there will be a scene and the grandest scene in which a villain
ever participated."

Marjorie entering through the gate posts immediately commanded their
attention.

III

"I should be happy to be permitted to accompany you home," Stephen
whispered to her at a moment when they chanced to be alone.

"I should be happy to have you," was the soft response.

"You look well," she said to him after they had made their adieus to the
Cadwaladers and begun their walk together down the street.

Her eyes twinkled, and a pretty smile stole across her face.

"I am as tired as I can be. I have endured some trying experiences."

"Can you not leave here and take a rest? I fear that you will overtax
yourself."

He turned and looked seriously at her.

"Honestly?" he asked.

"Yes. I mean it. Do you know that I have allowed no day to pass without
praying for you?"

"To know that, and to hear you say it is worth a series of adventures.
But, really, I could not think of leaving here now; not for another
fortnight at least. The moments are too critical."

"Are you still engaged in that pressing business?"

"Yes."

"For your success in that I have also prayed."

She was constant after all, he thought. Still he wondered if she could
be sincere in her protestations, and at the same time remain true to
Anderson. For he really believed that she had been deceived by his
apparent infatuation.

"I suppose you know that Jim has been ensnared?" he asked suddenly.

"Jim? No.... I,----What has happened?"

She was genuinely surprised.

"He has enlisted in the regiment."

"Has he forsworn?"

"Not yet. But he has signed the papers of enlistment."

"I am sorry, very sorry." Then after a pause: "