"You refuse to separate yourself from them? Well, then, for you too the shame and the disgrace. And poor Clive, so young, so foolish, not wicked, but led away. He writes to you all, I know, as if nothing had happened, but if you could see him as I do, you would long to save him!" "You must save him." The girl's voice was choked. Oliver leant forward and looked at her. "At all costs?" "At all costs." "And by all means, whether right or wrong?" "Whether right or wrong." He leant forward still further and forced her to look at him. "I will," he said slowly. "For you." They were silent after that for a time. He felt that he had won a victory, but her moods were so changeful that he was afraid of endangering it by trying to push his advantage further. And yet he wanted more. More than ever since this other man, of whom he felt insanely jealous, had appeared on the scene. At this moment, when her feelings were all stirred and thrilled, he knew that skilfully led she would be capable of any self-sacrifice, that it would even have an attraction for her. Once get her to make a definite promise, and he felt certain the generosity of her nature would keep her to it. And once his--he looked at her beautiful face, grew pale, and set his teeth--he would make her love him: his work should not be left half done. Now, if ever, was his time. He said presently, in a pained and gloomy tone--"I could almost envy Clive." "Why?" she said, looking round quickly. "Clive, and Kitty, and your mother. Do you ever think of anyone else? Would you care if I--we--the rest of the world were swept away in a common deluge? Would it matter to you in the least, supposing you four were safe?" "You are very unjust, Oliver," she said in a low tone, and he saw tears shining in her eyes. "I think not," he said gently. "So long as I can save Clive you are quite willing for me to run any risk--and the risk is great, remember. I am a chancery barrister, working upwards with quite my share of difficulties. Suppose my attempt fails--yes, it is always necessary to look what one undertakes in the face." "Clive would be ruined," she said as he paused. Then, as he did not speak, she looked at him again and saw him smiling. "What do you mean?" she said half angrily.