“Oh, I’m sorry, Wilmer,” he exclaimed. “But your hand was so near.” Her face was scarlet. “I didn’t expect that sort of thing from you,” she answered, avoiding his eyes. “I didn’t expect it of myself,” he said. “Honest, I didn’t. I--I lost my head for a moment.” “That is just what I didn’t expect.” “I can’t explain it any further,” he confessed. “It’s the sort of thing that can’t be explained,” she replied. There was no quaver in her voice--only a note of deep regret. “And yet,” went on Allston, passing his hand over his eyes--“and yet there was something. It was almost--almost as though I were in danger. Your fingers were near and I seized them. That sounds absurd, doesn’t it?” “Yes,” she answered steadily, “it does.” “Perhaps I’m more used to absurd things than you,” he went on with a worried smile. “They were always happening--over there.” “That sort?” she questioned. “All sorts. You never knew. You just acted without knowing why.” “It’s a rather dangerous way, isn’t it?” “Yes.” “And it doesn’t make it easy for a woman to trust a man who--who acts in that way, does it?” “No.” “Then--perhaps we had best be going.” “I’ve hurt you as deeply as that?” he exclaimed. She started forward a step. Again Bud raised his gun and covered his man. And yet, even as he did so, he felt that here was a new development which he ought to consider. If he had time, he would consider it. If this man was sweet on Wilmer Howe, it eliminated him more effectively from Roxie’s life than his death would do. And this without the margin of danger that was bound to follow any shooting. Allston hurried to her side with a cry that made the girl pause. “Wilmer,” he said huskily, “Wilmer, if--if you go like this I can never forgive myself. I’ve acted like a cad, but you must show that you trust me again.” “How can I do that?” “Come back and sit down where you were. That’s all I ask. Sit here a little while longer with me and then--and then we’ll go back home and I’ll pack my bag.” She met his eyes at that. “You mean--?” “I’ve overstayed in the Garden of Eden--by one day,” he answered. “But dad--what will dad think?” “You’re going to make it hard for me to face your father if you leave me with the feeling I’ve abused his generous hospitality.” “I don’t want you to feel like that,” she protested. “Then--” Her face grew even more scarlet as she slowly moved back to the flat rock upon which she had been seated. Allston again took his place at her feet. Again Bud released the grip on his gun.