"That didn't justify them. The beauty of it is that after going through no end of trouble and persecution he was proved to be innocent." "I see," said Reginald, composedly. "What do you want the bill for?" asked Uncle Rob. "As a literary guide. We will word our bill exactly like it." "But it is an official bill." "Couldn't have a better pattern." "Can't you word it some other way, Dick?" "No, uncle," replied Dick, almost defiantly. "This is the model I intend to use." Uncle Rob rose. "God forbid that I should do anything to prevent the truth being brought to light----" "Why, uncle!----" "But the position I hold," continued Uncle Rob, firmly, "will not allow me to sanction by my co-operation the use and form of official documents. Besides, if it got to be known it would do more harm than good. My dear lads, I'll wait outside till you've done. I doubt my own judgment in this matter; my heart and my head are at odds." So saying, he left them. He was not the only one whose heart and head were in conflict during this crisis; Dick alone could be depended upon to pursue a certain course with calm, unshaken mind, and now, when he and Reginald were together, he met with no opposition. The preliminaries, therefore, were soon arranged, and they returned to the breakfast room at the moment that Aunt Rob and Florence and Gracie entered. "Why, Gracie," exclaimed Dick, his face flushing with pleasure at the improvement in her attire, "you look like a princess." "She did it," said Gracie, pointing to Aunt Rob; "and oh, Dick, I do feel so nice and warm underneath!" "Never was a fairy godmother like Aunt Rob," said Dick, and was going on when she stopped him abruptly. "Where's father?" "Walking up and down outside till you're ready. He didn't agree to something I proposed, and between you and me he ought not to have a hand in what I'm about to do." "He's in a cruel position. Florence, its half-past ten; we must get ready. You do what you've got to do, Dick, and don't talk so free before Uncle Rob about your plans; it only upsets him." "All right, aunt." He hesitated a moment, then went up to Florence, who was putting on her hat. "Florence, dear, you must be brave." "I'll try to be, Dick." "Keep a stout heart, whatever the verdict may be. It was very dark last night, and I kept my eyes on a star that was trying to break through the clouds. I put a great stake on that star, Florence. I said to myself, 'If it breaks through and I see it shining bright, Florence, after a little while, will be the happiest woman in England.' A great stake, Florence." "Yes, dear Dick." "It glimmered and glimmered. A cloud passed over it, another, another, but its light was never quite obscured. Remember that." "I will."