Marston looked at Gurth for a moment, and then said quietly, ‘My dear fellow, I thought I told you we were old friends. I’m glad you like Ruth, for when we’re married you can come and be our guest.’ Gurth started back as though Marston had struck him a blow. ‘That lady—your wife?’ he stammered. ‘Yes, some day; why not?’ said Marston. ‘I’m doing well, I’m wealthy, and I shall soon command a good position. Why shouldn’t I marry Ruth Adrian?’ ‘I don’t know,’ stammered Gurth, hardly knowing what he was saying. ‘Why, I always looked upon you as a—as a——’ ‘Say it,’ cried Marston fiercely; ‘say it, Gurth Egerton. You always looked upon me as a scamp, as a penniless adventurer. Bah! Times have changed for both of us. You are a rich man now; you are ambitious, so am I. I have wiped out my old past as cleanly as you have yours. Let it be a race between us now if you like, Gurth Egerton—a race for wealth, a race for fame, for what you will. I shall beat you though you’ve had a ten years start of me.’ Gurth Egerton looked at his companion in wonder. His tone was one half of triumph, half of defiance. ‘As you will, Marston,’ he said quietly; ‘but let us start fair. Is there any absolute engagement between you and this lady?’ ‘No,’ said Marston; ‘but she is perfectly aware of my feelings towards her. We were engaged before—well, before I went abroad.’ ‘Oh, I see; then you merely hope for a renewal of old ties?’ ‘That is what I have set my heart on, and I generally accomplish my ends.’ ‘Good, answered Gurth, lighting a cigarette, and offering one to his companion. ‘We are both men of the world. Now listen. You say, let it be a race between us for wealth and fame. Well, wealth I have, and fame I can buy. Wealth you _say_ you have, and Ï have no doubt if you haven’t it at present you mean to have it. Let us make this race more exciting.’ What do you mean?’ ‘Merely this,’ said Gurth, watching Marston keenly through the smoke, ‘make Ruth Adrian’s hand part of the stakes.’ Marston’s face flushed angrily. ‘A bad joke, Egerton,’ he said, ‘and one you may be sorry for. ‘No joke, Marston; I mean it. In my quiet way I have fallen in love with the lady, and I am in want of a wife. All’s fair in love and war, and I don’t think you have a chance. Therefore why spoil mine?’ Marston was on the point of giving a fierce reply but he suddenly checked himself. He could fence better if he kept his temper. ‘You were always a laboured joker, Gurth,’ he said, ‘but it won’t do. You have found it easy enough to get a fortune from Ralph, but I don’t think you’ll find it so easy to get a sweetheart from me, not even with Birnie’s assistance.’ Marston laughed an irritating little laugh, nodded his head and walked away, leaving Gurth with a flushed face and clenched hand.