"I detest the man. There is something crawly and repulsive about him. I can read evil in his face. Don't trust him, Kenneth. Remember, if anything goes wrong, don't blame me. I warned you. My instinct seldom fails." Her husband laughed and, advancing, put his arm tenderly around his wife. "I guess I'm able to take care of myself, dear. Don't let's discuss Francois any longer. Tell me about yourself. How are you going to amuse yourself while I'm away?" Her head drooped on his breast and once more her eyes filled with tears. With affected carelessness which cost her a great effort, she replied: "Oh, the time won't hang so heavy on my hands. It never does when one has resources within oneself. I'll read and ride and sew. I suppose I'll have plenty to do." "Mr. Parker said he would drop in and look after you." "Yes--tell him to come and see me very often. He's rather tiresome with his prosy talk, but he's a dear old soul." With a mischievous twinkle in his eye her husband went on: "It's not unlikely that Keralio will call, also." "I hope not," she said quickly. "I'll soon show him he's not wanted." Kenneth laughed. It amused him to see how set she was against the Italian. He did not know the man any too well. He had met him in a business way and the fellow had been of service, but he had not the slightest idea of making a friend of him. He rather suspected he was an adventurer although, a stranger in New York, no one knew anything against him. Protestingly he said: "It's hardly fair to attack a man because he admires you." "He shows his admiration in a most offensive way. If you could see the way he looks at me sometimes you'd be the first to resent it." Kenneth laughed. "Oh, you mustn't mind that. It's a way all foreigners have. They ogle women more from force of habit than any desire to effect a conquest. Besides, you won't be alone." "No, I shall have Ray. She is excellent company--far jollier than I----" Kenneth protested. "No, she isn't by a long shot. Ray is all right as sisters-in-law go, but I'd never change you for her. I'm d----d if I would!" Quickly Helen put her white hand over his mouth. With mock severity she exclaimed: "Kenneth! How can you be so profane? I hate to hear such language from you. Ray is the sweetest thing on earth. It's a shame she never got married. Oh, don't be uneasy on that score. We'll have a good time. We'll go to the theater. We'll have teas and little dinner parties. I'll invite some interesting men to meet her. I'd love to see her married to some nice man. There's Mr. Steell, for instance. He's rich, young, has a brilliant future----" Kenneth made a grimace. Quickly he retorted: