"She is an old lady, you told me." "Did I? I was trying to conceal from you then that she is young and excessively beautiful. I will tell you more. She is worth four millions in her own right." "What is her name?" "That I will tell you also,--Miss Virginia Harlan." "I have heard of her. And she loves me?" "Desperately. Come, sir, you hesitate, it seems to me. This is a chance that does not come every day." "Heavens and earth, what am I to say?" "Say you accept. You asked my advice once, and now I give it to you again." "But I do not love her." "A mere bagatelle. You would very soon." "I am of another opinion. I could never love her, for the reason,"--he paused an instant,--"for the reason that I love some one else." "Ah! if you are married, that settles it." "I am not married." "Young man, you are a great fool then." The lawyer was really waxing angry. "This young lady is the superior of any man I know. You are throwing away a prize." "That may be, sir. But if you recall a speech I made in this office some six months ago, you will remember that I said I was a gentleman. If I should accept the offer you make me, I should be one no longer. And I prize my reputation in that respect more than I cherish anything in the world." "This sounds well, sir, but it is childishness. You are bound to make my client amends for your folly. It is in your power to marry her, and if you are a man you will make her that reparation." "Excuse me, Mr. Chelm, it would be foolish for us to argue longer on this point. I will call again to-morrow, when we are both less excited. Do not think I wish time to reflect, for my decision is final. But I should like your client to know that I am not wholly an ingrate. To-morrow, if you say so, at the same hour." "Stop one moment. I have one more request to make of you, which you can hardly refuse, perverse as you seem to be. My client expressed the wish that in case you should decide as you have done, you would call upon her this evening at her own house." Francis bit his lip. "I should be obliged to make the same answer." "The subject, sir, will not be broached." "Certainly, then, I will come." It was with difficulty that I could restrain myself from rushing into the room and falling at his feet; but when I knew that he was gone, I went up to Mr. Chelm with the tears in my eyes. "I did my best for you, Virginia. But the fellow is right. He is a gentleman. I hated him for causing you such pain, but if he loves some one else--well--one can scarcely blame him." "I told you he would refuse me. Do not mind my tears; and promise me that you will come to-night." "What new mystery is this?" "Never you mind; only promise that you will come." * * * * *