That evening Robert did not go down town to dinner, but stayed at home, by way of doing penance. He sat in his room, reading; suddenly he threw aside the paper and said: “What nonsense to pretend to read in a home like this, I ought to give all my time to adoration of you; few men are so blessed.” “How lovely of you to say that; you are the very best husband in all the world, I know you are.” “And you, my wife, are just what I would have you be.” She lifted her face and looked ardently into his: “I am so happy; are you?” “As happy as I ever wish to be in heaven,” he replied, with great earnestness. “Oh, don’t say that, it is irreverent--sacrilegious----” The sentence was cut short by the servant entering and announcing: “Mr. Latham, Mr. Frost.” Cherokee, in astonishment, asked: “Surely it cannot be Willard Frost?” “S--h--! he will hear you,” warned the husband. “Then it is he.” “I shouldn’t wonder, though I do not see what brings him here.” “He must have been invited; brazen as he is, he never would have intruded here unasked,” she guessed. “Now, since you speak of it, I did meet him at the Club last night, with Marrion.” “And you invited him here?” Anger and sorrow were blended in the voice of Cherokee as she asked the question. “I don’t think I did, though something was said about his calling. The fact is, I had been taking a little too much--too much----” “Chloral. Yes I understand now, but how could you be friendly with him after the way he had treated me.” There was reproach in her tones, that told more strongly than her words, of suppressed indignation. Robert noticed it and was visibly embarrassed. “You forget he gave us a thousand dollar wedding present. He is really a good fellow when you come to know him thoroughly; besides, he is one of the most successful artists in New York, and can be of great service to me. I want to get to the front, you know.” Cherokee had never told Robert of their meeting, nor that very amount he had so contemptuously returned to her in the guise of a gift--of the reception, and Willard’s boast that she would again receive him. She regretted that now; surely the knowledge on the part of the husband would have restrained him. “You must go to them,” she said at length, “they will think strangely of the delay.” “I must go; surely you will accompany me.” “Don’t ask it, Robert; make some excuse; I can’t meet that man.” “Nonsense! the embarrassment will be but momentary. You surely won’t stand in the way of my success; besides, Marrion is there, and I am sure you will enjoy knowing him better.” “Do you really wish me to see this other man, Willard Frost?” “I do; how can I expect him to be my friend if you fail to receive him?” “You are everything to me, husband, and I will obey you, although I never expected to be called upon to make a sacrifice like this.” In the meantime, the guests awaited in the library.