long-haired Dutchman who wanted to know all about the origin of fire
worship. Why should any one want to know about the origin of fire
worship?"

David didn't know, but thought it a shame she had to fuss with
long-haired Dutchmen.

"It's so deadly dull," she went on in the same plaintive voice. "Oh,
David, you don't know what a rescuer you are, taking me away from this.
I'll be so happy when we're in our own little home and I'll be
_dependent_ again."

David's emotions were too deep for words but he gave her a look more
eloquent than speech.

The experts are in accord as to the purblindness of love. No scales fell
from his eyes, even when Maizie, on his next to last visit, made an
occasion for a serious chat.

"David," she suggested a little timidly, "don't you think you and Shirley
had better wait a little longer?"

He laughed at the notion. "Do you think we're not sure of ourselves?"

"Oh, no! I've no doubts there. Just until you're a little better fixed
financially."

He shook his head decidedly. "Things are going pretty well with me now.
And I've got to get Shirley out of this awful grind at the library."

Maizie smiled faintly. "It isn't hard. Not so very hard, that is," she
amended hastily. "It wouldn't hurt her to stay there a little while
longer. You see," picking her words very carefully, "Shirley
isn't--she's such a dear we've all petted her a good deal--and maybe
spoiled her a little. She hasn't had to give up much that she wanted.
People like to do things for her and give her things and save her from
things. I think she doesn't quite realize how much has been done for
her."

"Do you think that is quite just?" David was very grave. "She is very
appreciative of what you've done for her."

Maizie flushed under the reproof. "Oh, yes," she went bravely on, "she's
a dear about that. That's one reason why every one likes to do things
for her. What I meant was, I don't think she quite realizes how
important it has been to her. You see, she has never had to face any
real trials. If any came, they would be _very_ real trials to her. And
I'm not sure just what she--just how she--" Poor Maizie, torn between
loyalty to and fear for her Shirley, floundered miserably and fell into
an ashamed silence.

"You don't know how brave Shirley is. Sisters are apt to be that way, I
suppose." Poor Maizie! She flushed again and hung her head in shame
because she had dared to suggest, however ge