"He was the proprietor of Peter Piper's Popular Pills, of which you have probably heard." "Why"--her face was illumined by a smile--"he always had a stock of them in the house; it was a standing joke. He used to give a box to nearly every one who came, declaring that they were a simple, safe medicine for what he called 'common complaints.'" Mr. Clifford bestowed on Mr. Hooper what might be described as a glare of triumph. "So they are, Miss Lindsay; it is only ignorant people who doubt it. No one was in a better position to know than your father was, and he was their sole proprietor. If he left you all his property, then I am fortunate in being the first to tell you that, of my own knowledge, you are the owner of at least a million." "A million! Mr. Clifford! Then--then----" She had the locket still open, and was looking at the likeness which she had described as the portrait of some one she used to know; as she looked her sentence came to a premature end, and her face was dyed with blushes. Mr. Clifford went on, a little heatedly. "You have been badly used, Miss Lindsay; monstrously used; and by those who should have made it their first aim to use you well." Her radiant face contrasted oddly with his warmth. "What does it matter? It has done me no harm. All the while I've felt that God was leading me through the darkness unto the light; and that's what He has done. So see how much I have to thank Him for." The door was opened by Mr. Gibb. "Two gentlemen and a lady to see Mr. Frank Clifford." Without waiting for further announcement the visitors came in; in front Robert Spencer; behind him Herbert Nash, with Elaine at his side. When the lovers saw each other, each stood gazing as if fearful that the other was some entrancing vision which might resolve itself into air and vanish. Both cried, as if it was the most delightful and wonderful thing in the world that it should be so-- "You!" They advanced, and only just in the nick of time remembered that there were others there; they could not have got closer and kept out of each other's arms. Mr. Spencer spoke as if in an ecstasy. "You queen of dear women, I've ransacked all the stray corners of the world for you! Where have you been hiding?" "Why," she replied, "I've been trying to earn my living." "My Lady Quixote! all the while you've been a millionaire!" "So Mr. Clifford has just told me. I haven't had time to realize it yet; but I think I'm glad." "You only think?" "I'm sure." She added--they were so close!--these words, which reached his ear only, "For your sake!" As she whispered her face crimsoned. Before he could answer she had moved forward. "Elaine!" When she advanced the other shrank back. "Why, Elaine, what's the matter?" Mr. Spencer spoke. "Miss Harding is now Mrs. Nash. If you will go with her into the next room I think you will find that she has something which she wishes to say to you."