the square, though, and between ourselves, do you
want me to quit the University and accept this--job? It's a good lead, I
realize."

"I'd rather not say either way," slowly. "I repeat that it's useless to
disagree, when nothing would be gained."

"Disagree! We never disagree. We never have in all the time we've known
each other."

"We've never discussed things where disagreement was probable."

"Maybe that's right. I never thought of it before." A pause. "Has that
harmony been premeditated on your part?"

"Unconsciously so, yes. It's an instinct with me, I think, to avoid the
useless."

Armstrong stared across the dim light of the porch. Mentally he pinched
himself.

"Well, I am dumb," he commented, "and you are wonderful. Let's break the
rule, though, for once, and thresh this thing out. I want your opinion on
this Graham matter, really. Tell me, please."

"Don't ask me," repeated the girl. "You'd remember what I said--and it
wouldn't do any good. Let's forget it."

"Of course I'd remember. I want to remember," pressed the man. "You think
I ought to accept?"

A moment the girl hesitated; then she looked him fair.

"Yes," she said simply.

"And why? Tell me exactly why, please? You're not afraid to tell me
precisely what you think."

"No, I'm not afraid; but I think you ought to realize it without my
putting it in words."

Armstrong looked genuine surprise.

"I suppose I ought--probably it's childishly obvious, but--tell me,
Elice."

"To put it selfishly blunt, then, since you insist, I think you ought to
for my sake. If an income you can depend upon means nothing in particular
to you you might consider what it would mean to me."

Unconsciously the lounging figure of the man in the chair straightened
itself. The drawl left his voice.

"Since we have stumbled upon this subject," he said quietly, "let's get
to the bottom of it. I think probably it will be better for both of us.
Just what would it mean to you, that five thousand dollars a year?"

"Don't you know, Steve, without my telling you?"

"Perhaps; but I'd rather you told me unmistakably."

As before the girl hesitated, longer this time; involuntarily she drew
farther back until she was completely hidden in the shadow.

"What it means to me you can't help knowing, but I'll repeat it if you
insist." She drew a long breath. Her voice lowered. "First of all, it
would mean home, a home of my own. You don't know all that that means
because