paid it, I know. I have wondered if they
didn't pay too much. David--" Jonathan looked away. "Have you thought
of--_her_?"

"Can't you understand I am thinking of her? I can't let her be hurt.
And I want her--you can't know--"

He flung an arm over his face. And he was glad of the sharp pain that
shot through his side.

"I know," said Jonathan. "I know."

They were silent for a while. The silence became almost unbearable to
one of them. He let his arm fall slowly to his side.

"Well, say it! If you have anything against it, say it."

"No." Jonathan turned to him once more, sadly. "I have nothing to say
against it. I know it would do no good, if I had. I say only, do it, if
you think she will not be hurt--if you think you can. . . . I must go
now."

He left. Soon the nurse returned. She looked closely at her patient and
took a thermometer from the table.

"No!" he said sharply. "I'm all right. Just go away and leave me alone."

Being a wise nurse, she obeyed. . . .

When Jonathan reached his office a trembling white-faced girl was
awaiting him.

"How is he?"

He told her. "It needn't be serious. But he had a narrow escape."

"Why didn't you let me know last night?"

"It would have done no good." He looked at her searchingly. But neither
shrinking nor shame was in her eyes. "Will you go to him now?"

"Go to him? I-- Why do you ask that?"

"He needs you," he said. "There is no one else who can help him now.
Will you go?"

"Yes." She understood the help that was needed.

"Then come."

Together they went out to the street. He hailed a taxicab and they
entered and drove away. Neither spoke during that ride. When they
reached the house he led her to the parlor.

"If you will wait here," he said, "I will get the nurse away."

In a few minutes he returned.

"You may go up now."

He watched her ascend, heard her quick light tread along the hall above
and the closing of a door.

"Esther!" he whispered. "My poor Esther! Who will help you?"

CHAPTER XIII

THE HAPPY ENDING

She halted just within the closed door. At first he could not believe
it was she. For a little he went blind, a black streaming mist hiding
her from him. But when it cleared away she was still there. Their
eyes met and clung across the room.

"Esther! You came! I didn't believe--"

"He asked me to come."

"He asked you! I don't understand--"

"Would you rather I had stayed aw