"Mere figures of speech!" remarked Douglas. "They meant she was ready to work with her own hands for happiness," said Leslie indignantly. "I think she's too late!" said Douglas. "I am afraid she is one of the unhappiest women in the world to-night!" "Douglas, it wrings my heart!" cried Leslie. "Mine also, but what can we do?" he answered. "For ten years, she has persisted in having her way, you tell me; what could she have expected?" "That he would have some heart," protested Leslie. "That he would forgive when he was asked, as all of us are commanded to." "Does it occur to you that he might have confronted her with something that prevented her from asking?" suggested Douglas. "She may never have reached her flowers and her proposed concessions." "What makes you think so?" queried Leslie. "What I see and surmise, and a thing I know." "What can I do?" asked Leslie. "Nothing!" Douglas said with finality. "If either of them wants you, they know where to find you. But you're tired now. Let's give the order for home." "Shan't sleep a wink to-night!" prophesied Leslie. "I was afraid of that!" exclaimed Douglas. "There may be a message there for you that will be a comfort." "So there may be! Let's hurry!" urged the girl. There was. They found a brief, pencilled note. DEAR LESLIE: _After to-day, it was due you to send a word. You tried so hard dear, and you gave me real joy for an hour. Then James carried out his threat. He did all to me he intended, and more than he can ever know. I have agreed to him taking full possession of the boys, and going into a home such as he thinks suitable. They will be far better off, and since they scarcely know me, they can't miss me. Before you receive this, I shall have left the city. I can't state just now where I am going or what I shall do. You can realize a little of my condition. If ever you are tired of home life and faintly tempted to neglect it for society, use me for your horrible example. Good-bye,_ NELLIE MINTURN. Leslie read this aloud. "It's a relief to know that much," she said with a deep breath. "I can't imagine myself ever being 'faintly tempted," but if I am, surely she is right about the 'horrible example.' Douglas, whatever did James Minturn have in that box?" "I could tell you what I surmise, but so long as I don't _know_ I'd better not," he answered. "As our mutual friend Mickey would say, 'Nix on the Swell Dames,' for me!" said Leslie determinedly. "Thank God with all my heart!" cried Douglas Bruce. CHAPTER VIII _Big Brother_ "I've no time to talk," said Douglas Bruce, as Mickey appeared the following day; "my work seems too much for one man. Can you help me?" "Sure!" said Mickey, wadding his cap into his back pocket. Then he rolled his sleeves a turn higher, lifted his chin a trifle and stepped forward. "Say what!" It caught Douglas so suddenly there was no time for concealment. He laughed heartily.