"Yes, wasn't he? But he's gone quite wild over Dale. Do you know what his next move is?" And Arthur disclosed the Johnstone conspiracy. "It will be rather sport, won't it?" he asked. "Poor old Dale!" But no; Miss Fane did not see the "sport." She was indignant; she thought that such a trick was mean, malicious, and odious in the highest degree, and she was surprised that Arthur Angell could be amused at it. "Women never see a joke," said Arthur huffily. "Where's the joke in making Dale unhappy and--and absurd? And you call yourself his friend!" "It's only a joke. Old Dale does deserve a dig, you know." "And pray, why? You choose your friends, why mayn't he choose his? I dare say you would be glad enough to know that sort of people if you could." "Oh, come, Nellie! I'm not like that. Besides, it's not the people; it's what he's written." "I've read what he's written. It's beautiful. No, I call the whole thing horrid, and just like Dr. Roberts." "I suppose you think, just like me, too?" "If you don't write and warn Dale, I shall." "I say, you mustn't do that. I told you in confidence. Roberts will be furious." "What do I care for Dr. Roberts' fury? I shall write at once;" and she sat down at the table. Arthur glanced in despair at Mrs. Hodge, but that discreet lady was entirely hidden in the evening paper. "Well, I'll never tell you anything again, Nellie," he said. "You'll never have the chance, unless you behave something like a gentleman," retorted Nellie. Arthur banged the door as he went out, exclaiming: "Damn Roberts! What does he want to make a row for?" Meanwhile, the Doctor, who was angry enough with Arthur Angell to have rejoiced had he known that he had embroiled him in a quarter where Arthur was growing very anxious to stand well, was pacing the streets, nursing his resentment. His head ached, and fragments of what he had read, and half-forgotten conversations, mingling in his whirling brain, fretted and bewildered him. He could think of nothing but his wrongs and his revenge, returning always to hug himself on his own earnestness, and angrily to sneer at the weakness and treachery of his friends. Whatever it cost him or his, the world should see that there was one man ready to sacrifice himself for truth and right--and punish "that hound Dale Bannister."