"I mean, Peg, that I want to be with you dear people as much as possible, and at the same time to see as little as possible of--other people! When one is perfectly conscious of a temptation, the wisest plan is to keep out of its way. It is no use deliberately playing with fire, and then praying to be `delivered.' I've thought out that subject for myself through some pretty hard times these last few years, and have come to a final conclusion. We must do our own share in keeping away from the danger, and not trifle away the strength we ask for. This is a little confidence for yourself alone, dear. I don't care to worry the parents with my affairs, or to influence their choice, but I want you to know the reason if I don't enter into your plans so heartily as you expect." "But, Arthur dear, it seemed--it struck me that `other people' seemed to find it a temptation too! Surely if you both--" "Then I must think for both, and be the more careful. The hardest temptation of all, Peg, is one that seems just within grasp, but of which conscience says one should not take advantage. Think what this means! I have a hundred or two a year from the dear old godfather, and a few more for my salary--in all about as much as a fashionable lady would spend on clothes and jewellery. Even with what my father and-- hers might be willing to add, it would mean comparative poverty for years to come, and some people are not made for poverty, and could not be happy under such conditions." "There are things which are worth more than money!" "To you and me, yes, Peg, a thousand times, but not to every one! The bent of a lifetime does not easily alter. One may think it does under the stress of strong feeling, but it is a very difficult matter when it comes to living a restricted life day after day, month after month, and to giving up the luxuries and pleasures to which one has been accustomed. It is better to face a definite sorrow, than life-long regret and repining." Arthur's face hardened into a determination which had in it a sadness which Peggy was quick to understand. The bitterest drop in the poor fellow's cup was the consciousness that the girl whom he loved was neither strong nor unselfish enough to value happiness before worldly prosperity, and his sister's heart grew hot with indignation at the thought that any one dared to think herself too good for Arthur Saville! "I hope and pray, Arthur, that when the time comes for you to marry, your wife will realise that she is a most blessedly fortunate woman, and not harbour any delusions about making a martyr of herself! You are perfectly right in wishing to keep out of the way under the circumstances, and I will do the same. I never wish to see `other people' again, or to speak to her, or to have anything whatever to do with her."