ren't you choosing rather a rotten way of doing it, 'cos you're
hurting an innocent girl into the bargain. It's way down below your
form to side up with these men who are against me--isn't it, now? As a
friend, I'd drop out of this deal--clean out--it--it's not up to your
standard."

"Why do you say this to me?"

"Because I like you too well to associate you with----"

"You like me?"

"Yes."

"Still?"

"Not still," he answered, truthfully, "but now."

She was silent for a long while, then she shook her head.

"No good, Tony. It wouldn't make any difference if I dropped out. I
know it's beastly, but that can't be helped. They mean to have their
answer, whatever happens."

"They've come to the wrong house to get it," said Richard and he folded
his arms very heroically.

"You refuse to speak?"

"I do."

"Mr. Van Diest would pay you--enormously."

"Course he would."

"Twenty per cent after exploitation and a million down."

It was a staggering proposition, but Richard preserved his calm and
remarked humorously:

"I'll take it in copper, please."

Auriole sprang to her feet and put her hands on his shoulders. Her
face was lovelier at close range. A faint and delightful perfume came
to his nostrils, her eyes burned brightly and the scarlet mouth, with
its moist trembling lower lip, was an exquisite invitation. This
indeed was a very woman, he thought, a striking contrast to the small
and wistful Doreen. With sudden intuition he realised he had but to
open his arms and she would enter--willingly, anxiously. An insane
desire possessed him to do this thing. She was adorable, desirable,
magnificent, and he was certain beyond doubt she loved him. With a
catch of the breath he raised his hands and in so doing his glance fell
upon the sleeve of the coat he wore. The cloth was of blue Cheviot
which reminded him abruptly that he was Richard Frencham Altar
masquerading in someone else's clothes, a circumstance which in no way
admitted him to the use of short cuts to the affections of their real
owner's admirers. It is disappointing to have to acknowledge that
someone is violently in love with someone else that you happen to
resemble and the reflection sobered him quickly. With an awkward laugh
he turned away and repeated:

"Yes, tell him I'll take it in copper."

"Tony!" she said, "Tony, don't fool with it! Don't you, realise how
frightfully serious it is? Haven't you any imagination?"

App