"Archie," she said, at length, "believe me, I did not speak without reason. While my father was alive there was a chance of our marrying, for I would have persuaded him to consent some time, and Mrs. Belswin would have helped me. But he is dead, and I have not a penny in the world. How then can I marry you, who have nothing but your profession to depend upon, and that profession one which means constant travelling? If you married me you would have to leave me, for we should not be rich enough to travel together. You would find me a drag upon you. Enough for one is not enough for two. I love you! You know I love you! And it is for that very reason that I want to break off our engagement, and not be a burden to you in the future." Maxwell laughed, as she ended this long speech, and seizing her hands drew her towards him. "What a capital lawyer you would make," he said, with an indulgent smile; "but let us look on the other side of the question. Say that these shares turn out to be worth a lot of money, will you expect me to give you up?" "No, no! Oh, no!" "Ah! you see then that the case is the same with me. You love me for myself. I love you for yourself. It is no question of money between us. With you as my wife, I would work hard. I shall only be too proud to work for you. We shall not be rich; but we should be happy. No, my dearest, I should indeed be unworthy of your love did I look at the future from your point of view. I love you! You are mine; and rich or poor, we will always be together." "But----" "But me no buts," said Maxwell, in a peremptory tone, putting his arm round her neck. "You know what I say is right. You love me, do you not?" "Yes." "And you will never leave me?" Kaituna kissed him, with tears in her eyes. "No; I will never leave you." Archie pressed her to his heart with a cry of joy, and at this moment Mrs. Belswin entered. "Well, young people?" "I have explained away all objections," said Maxwell, as Kaituna withdrew her arms from his neck, "and we are going to marry on nothing a year." "Meanwhile," said Mrs. Belswin, satirically. "Meanwhile," echoed Maxwell, rising, "I am going to speak to you for a few minutes, and then take Kaituna for a walk in the Park. You'll take compassion on a lonely bachelor, will you not, dearest?" "Yes. I'll go and put on my things at once," said Kaituna, whose face now looked much brighter than before. "Archie." "Yes." "I am afraid you'll be a dreadful tyrant when I marry you." She laughed, and ran out of the room, whereat Maxwell also laughed out of sympathy; but when the door closed the laugh died away on his lips, and he turned gravely to Mrs. Belswin, who had resumed her seat. "Well," said that lady, with a half smile, glancing at him; "you look as gloomy as a November day. What are you thinking about?" "Sir Rupert's death." Mrs. Belswin half expected this reply; but, notwithstanding, gave a sudden start at the abruptness of his speech.