“Wait,” he said, “a man and woman can't live together for years and then part like two men friends. Something gets into them to prevent. They find they love each other. I've found out that though I want you, I love Edith. She loves me. Look at her.” Margaret half arose from her chair. McGregor went on. Into his voice came the harsh quality that made men fear and follow him. “Oh, we'll be married, Margaret and I,” he said; “her beauty has won me. I follow beauty. I want beautiful children. That is my right.” He turned to Edith and stood staring at her. “You and I could never have the feeling Margaret and I had when we looked into each other's eyes. We ached with it--each wanting the other. You are made to endure. You would get over anything and be cheerful after a while. You know that--don't you?” The eyes of Edith came up level with his own. “Yes I know,” she said. Margaret Ormsby jumped up from her chair, her eyes swimming. “Stop,” she cried. “I do not want you. I would never marry you now. You belong to her. You are Edith's.” McGregor's voice became soft and quiet. “Oh, I know,” he said; “I know! I know! But I want children. Look at Edith. Do you think she could bear children to me?” A change came over Edith Carson. Her eyes hardened and her shoulders straightened. “That's for me to say,” she cried, springing forward and clutching his arm. “That is between me and God. If you intend to marry me come now and do it. I was not afraid to give you up and I'm not afraid that I shall die bearing children.” Dropping McGregor's arm Edith ran across the room and stood before Margaret. “How do you know you are more beautiful or can bear more beautiful children?” she demanded. “What do you mean by beauty anyway? I deny your beauty.” She turned to McGregor. “Look,” she cried, “she does not stand the test.” Pride swept over the woman that had come to life within the body of the little milliner. With calm eyes she stared at the people in the room and when she looked again toward Margaret there was a challenge in her voice. “Beauty has to endure,” she said swiftly. “It has to be daring. It has to outlive long years of life and many defeats.” A hard look came into her eyes as she challenged the daughter of wealth. “I had the courage to be defeated and I have the courage to take what I want,” she said. “Have you that courage? If you have take this man. You want him and so do I. Take his arm and walk away with him. Do it now, here before my eyes.” Margaret shook her head. Her body trembled and her eyes looked wildly about. She turned to David Ormsby. “I did not know that life could be like this,” she said. “Why didn't you tell me? She is right. I am afraid.” A light came into McGregor's eyes and he turned quickly about. “I see,” he said, looking sharply at Edith, “you have also your purpose.” Turning again he looked into the eyes of David.