“Because—because I thought you loved her and she loved you, and I would not——!” He turned off and walked to the window. Steve rose and went up to him. “Jacquelin,” he said, putting his hand on his shoulder, and speaking with a new tenderness, “I never knew it—I never dreamed it. You have been blind, boy. And I have been worse. I was never in love with her and she knew it. At first, I simply meant to bedevil you, and—Middleton—and then afterward, used to tease her to see her let out about you; but that was all. She has known ever since Ruth Welch came here that I liked her, and now—that I have become a fool like the rest of you.” He turned away. Jacquelin stood for a moment looking at him, a light dawning on his face. “Steve, I beg your pardon for what I said.” He stood lost in thought. The next second he rushed out of the door. In a moment he was back, and held the bill he had just filed, in his hand. Steve rose as he entered. “What have you done?” “I may be a fool—but—” He held up the bill and glancing at it, caught hold of the last sheet and began to tear it. Steve made a spring, but was too late; Jacquelin had torn the signature from the paper. “I’m not such a selfish dog as to let you do it and bar your chance of happiness. I did not know. Do you suppose Miss Welch would ever marry you if you signed that bill?” “No. But do you suppose I will not tell her of my part in bringing the suit?” “Of course you will—but she’ll forgive you for that.” It was late in the night before their disagreement was settled. Steve insisted that he would sign the bill; he had brought the suit and he would assume the responsibility for it. But he had met his match. Jacquelin was firm, and finally declared that if Steve still held to his decision he would not press the suit at all. Steve urged Rupert’s interest. Jacquelin said Rupert would still have six months after he came of age, in which to save his rights. In this unexpected turn of the case, Steve was forced to yield; and Jacquelin recopied the whole bill in his own hand and filed it the next morning. It was signed by Jacquelin and Rupert personally, and by General Legaie as counsel. It created a sensation in at least two households in the County. When Still read the bill, he almost dropped to the floor. The attack was made on the ground of fraud, and Major Welch had said the statute of limitations did not apply. After a conference, however, with Leech, who happened to be at home, he felt better. Leech assured him that the bill would not hold good against his possession of the bonds. “They’ll hold against all creation,” said that counsellor, “if they weren’t stolen and ain’t been paid.” This declaration did not seem to relieve Still much. “And they’ve got to prove both of ’em,” added Major Leech, “and prove ’em before our judge.” Still’s face cleared up. “Well, Welch is obliged to stand by us. We’ll go and see him.”