Back to the house sped Elizabeth, leaving the organs of a free people to be gathered up, smoothed, and replaced on the stand by the now more than ever charmed proprietor. Up the stairs she sped, and arriving breathlessly at James's door rang the bell. Heavy footsteps came down the passage; crushed, disheartened footsteps; footsteps that sent a chill to Elizabeth's heart. The door opened. James Boyd stood before her, heavy-eyed and haggard. In his eyes was despair, and on his chin the blue growth of beard of the man from whom the mailed fist of Fate has smitten the energy to perform his morning shave. Behind him, littering the floor, were the morning papers; and at the sight of them Elizabeth broke down. 'Oh, Jimmy, darling!' she cried; and the next moment she was in his arms, and for a space time stood still. How long afterwards it was she never knew; but eventually James Boyd spoke. 'If you'll marry me,' he said hoarsely, 'I don't care a hang.' 'Jimmy, darling!' said Elizabeth, 'of course I will.' Past them, as they stood there, a black streak shot silently, and disappeared out of the door. Joseph was leaving the sinking ship. 'Let him go, the fraud,' said Elizabeth bitterly. 'I shall never believe in black cats again.' But James was not of this opinion. 'Joseph has brought me all the luck I need.' 'But the play meant everything to you.' 'It did then.' Elizabeth hesitated. 'Jimmy, dear, it's all right, you know. I know you will make a fortune out of your next play, and I've heaps for us both to live on till you make good. We can manage splendidly on my salary from the _Evening Chronicle_.' 'What! Have you got a job on a New York paper?' 'Yes, I told you about it. I am doing Heloise Milton. Why, what's the matter?' He groaned hollowly. 'And I was thinking that you would come back to Chicago with me!' 'But I will. Of course I will. What did you think I meant to do?' 'What! Give up a real job in New York!' He blinked. 'This isn't really happening. I'm dreaming.' 'But, Jimmy, are you sure you can get work in Chicago? Wouldn't it be better to stay on here, where all the managers are, and--' He shook his head.