Andy Hayes was sore to the heart. He had thought that a catastrophe such as this, a "row," would be the best thing--the best for Vivien Wellgood. He was even surer of it now--even now, when to think of the pain she suffered sent a pang through his heart. But what a light that increased certainty of his threw on Harry Belfield! And, as he said to himself, trudging home from the Lion, Harry had always been a part of his life--in early days a very big part--and one of the most cherished. Harry's hand had been the source whence benefits flowed; Harry's example had been an inspiration. Whatever Harry had done now, or might do in the future--that future now suddenly become so much less assured, so much harder to foresee--the great debt remained. Andy did not grudge "sweeping up the pieces." Alas, that he could not mend the broken pitcher! Sore as his heart was for the blow that had fallen on Vivien--on her so frail that the lightest touch of adversity seemed cruel--yet his sorest pain was that the blow came from Harry Belfield's hand. That filled him with a shame almost personal. He had so identified himself with his friend and hero, he had so shared in and profited by the good in him--his kindness, his generosity, his championship--that he could not rid himself of a feeling of sharing also in the evil. In the sullying of Harry's honour he saw his own stained--even as by Harry's high achievements he would have felt his own friendship glorified. "Without Harry I should never have been where or what I am." That was the thought in his mind, and it was a sure verity. Harry had opened the doors, he had walked through. Whatever Harry had done or would do with his own life, he had done much for his friend's, and done it gaily and gladly. Doris Flower might chide and despair; Gilly Foot's contemptuous verdict might dismiss Harry to his fate. That could not be Andy's mood nor Andy's attitude. Gratitude forbade despair; it must be his part still to work, to aid, to shelter; always, above all, to forgive, and to try--at least to try--to comprehend.