"And now--more plain talk, T. S. This is a fine, sporting, rather spectacular thing you're doing, going down to Mexico after Jimsy, and I'm absolutely with you, but--if the worst should be true--if the boy really has gone to pieces--you won't marry him?" "No," said the girl steadily, after an instant's pause. "If Jimsy should be--like his father--I wouldn't marry him, Stepper. There shouldn't be--any _more_ 'Wild Kings.' But I'd never marry any one else, and--oh, but it would be a long time to live, Stepper, dear!" "I'm betting you'll find him in good shape,--and keep him so, Top Step. At any rate, however it comes out, you'll always be glad you went." "I know I will." "Yes; you're that sort of woman, T. S.,--the 'whither thou goest' kind. I believe women may roughly be divided into two classes; those who passively let themselves be loved; those who actively love. The former have the easier time of it, my dear." His tired eyes visioned his wife, now closeted with Madame. He sighed once and then he smiled. "And they get just as much in return, let me tell you,--more, I really believe. But I want you to promise me one thing." "What?" "That you'll never give up your singing. Keep it always, T. S. There'll be times when you need it--to run away to--to hide in." She nodded, soberly. His eyes began to kindle. "Every woman ought to have something! Men have. It should be with women as with men--love a thing apart in their lives, not their whole existence! Then they wouldn't agonize and wear on each other so! I believe there's a chapter in that, for my book, Top Step." "I'm sure there is," said Honor, warmly. They had reached the station now and a red cap came bounding for her bags. "And I won't even try to thank you, Stepper, dear, for all----" "Don't be a goose, T. S.,--look! There are your Mexicans!" Honor followed his eyes. "Aren't they _delicious_?" They hurried toward them. "The girl's adorable!"