“That is not true, my dearest. I like her for the reason she thinks worlds of Marrion Latham, the dramatist. By the way, I had such a good letter from him to-day, so full of wonderful sympathy and friendship. I have often told him of you. I love that fellow. He knew I loved you before you did, I guess. You know, men in their friendships are trustful, they impose great confidences in each other, and are frank and outspoken. Even the solid, practical outside world recognizes the bonds of such faith, and looks with contempt upon the man who, having parted with his friend, reveals secrets which have been told him under the sacred profession of friendship.” “Why is it, Robert, that women cannot be true, or a man and woman cannot form a lasting, loyal friendship?” “The first case, jealousy or envy breaks; the second generally ends in one falling in love with the other, and that spoils it,” he explained. She looked up archly: “Which will be the most enduring, your friendship for Marrion, or your love for me?” “Please God that both shall last always,” he answered, with reverence. “How good it seems to hear you say that.” Then she impulsively held out her hands saying: “I do care.” Robert, trembling from head to foot at the mad audacity of his act, bent down to taste from the calyx of that flower-face the sweet intoxication of the first kiss. The worried look had gone out of his face. [Illustration: “The sweet intoxication of the first kiss.” Page 36.] “So you will wait for me until I have made a name that will grace you! How brave of you to make me that promise. Cherokee are you all mine? Then there are only two more things required in this--the sanction of the State, and the blessing of God. May He keep a watch over both our lives.” “I pray that your wish be granted,” she murmured, with a tender voice. “Now, my little woman, be very careful of the people you meet. Unfortunately, one forgets sometimes when one is in danger. You are a woman, sweet, passionate and kind; just the favorite prey.” She looked at him intently, as if endeavoring to divine his underlying thoughts. “What do you mean, sweetheart?” He knew by the tremor in her voice she was hurt. “I mean, dear, that lions are admitted into the fold because they are tame lions--look out for them.” The next moment he was gone. CHAPTER IV. IN THE SOCIAL REALM. Carriages, formed in double ranks by the police, lined the pavement of several blocks on ---- street, and from them alighted, as each carriage made a brief stop at the entrance, men and women of fashion, enveloped in heavy wraps, for the night was cold. Beneath the heavy opera coats, sealskins, etc., ball dresses were visible, and feet encased in fur-lined boots caught the eyes of those who stood watching the guests of the ---- ball as they entered the building.