“No, no, nothing like that. Ned’s a gentleman, but these things have shaken him. He’ll make up his mind presently, but he wants to act for the best—for your sake. Not for Jordan’s, but for yours. There’s a lot goes to such a thing as you’ve done, and you want to be a student of character before you decide about it. Ned don’t mean to let his feelings run away with him. He’s got to think of your future.” “Then why has he sunk to damages against Mr. Kellock?” “Don’t believe anything you hear yet. I happen to know that Ned has not settled upon that question. He’s very large-minded, as you’ll remember.” “That would be the last straw, I should think.” “You can’t fairly quarrel with him, even if he do shake a bit of cash out of your husband to be. I’m sure I should have. You may never know now all that you were to Ned; but I know, and he knows. He’s been wonderful, in my opinion, and, with your great imagination, you ought to see how wonderful. If he didn’t kill Kellock, why was it? Out of regard for himself? Not a chance! Ned’s fearless, as the male should be, and would hang for Kellock to-morrow—especially seeing he’s got no particular interest in going on living himself, owing to his shattering loss. No, Medora; he didn’t spare your future husband because he was frightened of letting daylight into him; he spared him because he knew you loved him better than anything on earth. You put that in your pipe and smoke it, my dear. And take heart from it also; for if Ned wouldn’t sink to Kellock’s life, you may bet your pretty shoes he wouldn’t touch his money. Now I must get back.” “There’s a lot more I’d like to say, however. When you do find a fellow creature that understands, which isn’t often, your soul craves to speak,” said Medora. “Another time, perhaps. But mind this. Be fair. You’re so brave, I see, that you can afford to be fair to all parties—friends and foes, so to call ’em. And you know a fine character when you see it, I’m sure,” concluded Philander vaguely; then he sped away, leaving the girl anxious both to hear and tell more. She did not comprehend Mr. Knox in the least, but perceived he was friendly. There was, moreover, a human ring in his voice that heartened her, and she felt the contrast keenly when she returned to the level tones and unimpassioned serenity of Jordan Kellock. But for once she did see Kellock taken out of himself, and in a frame of mind enthusiastic and excited.