I do not know what I did say. I have no doubt it was very badly put, but she listened seriously. Then she said: “That's very nice of you to want me, but I am going to marry the president of the Omega Company.” I turned sick with despair at these words so gently said, and a pang of fierce jealousy, tinged with wonder, shot through me. “Surely she can't be in love with that red-faced brute we fought with in the Omega office,” I thought. That was impossible. Besides, we had turned him out. Doddridge Knapp would be president as soon as the new board of directors elected its officers. She couldn't, of course, think of marrying her own father. I could not understand what she meant, but I knew I was furiously uncomfortable and wished I was rich enough to buy up the company. Luella saw my distress as I tried to rise and fly from the place. “Don't go,” she said gently. “What are you going to do with your men?” “The free companions are to be disbanded,” I said, recovering myself with a gulp. “Are any of them killed?” she asked in solicitous tones. “No. Porter is pretty badly hurt. We got him down from Livermore to-day. He was in the jail there, with Abrams and Brown. We gave bail for them, and all the men are back at the Montgomery Street place. Barkhouse is getting on all right, and there are a few bruises and cuts scattered around in my flock. But they'll all be in trim for another fight in two or three weeks.” “I suppose you'll be sorry to part with them.” “They are a faithful set, but I've had enough excitement for a while.” “And Mrs. Borton?” “Is to be buried to-morrow.” “And you, Mr. Dudley?” This question struck me a little blank. I had really not thought of what I was going to do. “It's another case of an occupation gone,” I said rather ruefully. “With the break-up of the plots and the close of the Omega deal, I am at the end of my employments.” With this view of the question before me, I fell into a panic of regrets, and began to blush furiously at my folly in imagining for an instant that Luella could think of me for a husband. “No,” said Luella thoughtfully. “You are just at the beginning.” The tone, even more than the words, braced my nerves, and once more there glowed within me a generous courage of the future. “You are right. I thank you,” I said feelingly. “I have faith in the opportunities.” “And I have faith--” said Luella. Then she stopped. “In the man, I hope,” I ventured. Luella did not answer, but she gave me a look that meant more than words. I was a trifle bewildered, wondering where I stood in the eyes of this capricious young woman, but my speculations were cut short by the coming of Mrs. Knapp.