“Mr. Winthrop,” said Julian, “how long do you intend to remain here, sir?” “My plans are a bit unsettled,” answered Winthrop, tossing the burnt match onto the walk. “I had intended leaving Sunday, but my accident prevented. Now I am undecided. May I enquire your reason for asking, Mr. Wayne?” “Because I wanted to know,” answered Julian, bluntly. “Your presence here is――is distasteful to me and embarrassing to Miss India and Miss Holly.” “Really!” gasped Winthrop. “Yes, sir, and you know it. Anyone but a Northerner would have more feeling than to force himself on the hospitality of two unfortunate ladies as you have done, Mr. Winthrop.” “But――but――――!” Winthrop sighed, and shook his head helplessly. “Oh, there’s no use in my trying to get your view, I guess. May I ask, merely as a matter of curiosity, whether the fact that Waynewood is my property has anything to do with it in your judgment.” “No, sir, it hasn’t! I don’t ask how you came into possession of the place――――” “Thank you,” murmured Winthrop. “But in retaining it you are acting abominably, sir!” “The deuce I am! May I ask what you would advise me to do with it? Shall I hand it over to Miss India or Miss Holly as――as a valentine?” “Our people, sir, don’t accept charity,” answered Julian, wrathfully. “So I fancied. Then what would you suggest? Perhaps you are in a position to buy it yourself, Mr. Wayne?” Julian frowned and hesitated. “You had no business taking it,” he muttered. “Granted for the sake of argument, sir. But, having taken it, now what?” Julian hesitated for a moment. Then―― “At least you’re not obliged to stay here where you’re not wanted,” he said, explosively. Winthrop smiled deprecatingly. “Mr. Wayne, I’d like to ask you one question. Did you come here this morning on purpose to pick a quarrel with me?” “I came to apologize for what happened Saturday night. I’ve told you so already.” “You have. You have apologized like a gentleman and I have accepted your apology without reservations. That is finished. And now I’d like to make a suggestion.” “Well?” asked Julian, suspiciously. “And that is that if your errand is at an end you withdraw from my property until you can address me without insults.” Julian’s face flushed; he opened his lips to speak, choked back the words, and arose from his chair. “Don’t misunderstand me, please,” went on Winthrop, quietly. “I am not turning you out. I should be glad to have you remain as long as you like. Only, if you please, as long as you are in a measure my guest, you will kindly refrain from impertinent criticisms of my actions. I’d dislike very much to have you weaken my faith in Southern courtesy, Mr. Wayne.” Julian’s reply was never made, for at that instant Holly and Miss India came out on the porch. Holly’s first glance was toward Winthrop. Then, with slightly heightened color, she greeted Julian kindly. He seized her hand and looked eagerly into her smiling face.