“It is awful to be poor when you are in love and want to get married,” said the young man, sadly, after they had both said over and over that they should always love each other. “Oh, I do so hate this waiting until one can afford to marry, but I know it is sensible, don’t you think so, dearest?” “Yes, indeed,” said Dollie, who was a very practical little woman. “We must wait patiently, Ralph, until we are both better off, and then, you know, I am very young—really I am not old enough to marry.” She blushed a fiery red as she said the words, for there was a secret in her soul that was weighing very heavily. Should she tell him that awful experience through which she had passed? She knew it would be honorable, but she could not do it, at least just then. Marion returned at that moment, so the love scene ended. In a few moments Mr. Moore was obliged to leave them. “When shall I see you again, Ralph?” asked Dollie, pouting a little. “Here you are, going away without saying a word about returning.” The young man was standing with his hat in his hand, and for a second he seemed a little disconcerted. Recovering himself, he said, with a tender glance: “I shall come to-morrow, if possible, Dollie. If I don’t it will be business of importance that detains me.” “Good-night, then,” she murmured, and her lover bent over her once more. He kissed her fondly in spite of Marion’s presence. “I can never thank you enough for your kindness,” said Marion, following him to the door, “but some day I hope I shall be able to do you as great a favor.” “You have done it already,” said Ralph Moore, earnestly. “You have sanctioned Dollie’s promise to marry me some day, and I can’t begin to tell you how I thank you.” After he had gone Marion told Dollie the good news. For another month they could live in comparative comfort. “I wonder where he got it,” was Dollie’s natural comment. Marion sighed a little as she answered absently: “It is one more debt of gratitude that I owe. When, oh, when, will I ever be able to repay them?” The first thing the next morning Marion secured a doctor for Dollie. His bill was exorbitant, but she paid it ungrudgingly. Her next move was to rent another typewriting machine, for she was hopeful that by this means Dollie might be able to earn her living. “Of course it is a risk,” she argued to herself, “but it will amuse her when she is better, and she may be able to secure a position in an office when she has become proficient.” As the days passed by the hundred dollars seemed to melt away, and Marion redoubled her efforts to secure employment. Mr. Moore came in every evening and tried to cheer them up, but the girls could see that he was often dispirited, although his manner was always courteous and affectionate. It was growing colder now and both girls needed new clothing, so this demand upon their capital diminished it still farther.