"However, Graydon, we are not concerned with her. The state of the case is this: The young people were in love with each other, and were parted by a fraud. Under a total misapprehension, Pamela has engaged herself to me. Now that the misapprehension is removed, what is the clear course for me to take?" "I should ask Pamela, Glengall." "Pamela is at this moment in a mood in which it would not be safe to take her at her word. The only thing for me to do is to step down and out." "Glengall!" said Mr. Graydon, laying a hand on his. "Don't pity me just now, Graydon. Frankly, I'm not equal to it." "Have you told Pam?" "I shall tell her. Afterwards I shall go away till the nine days' wonder is forgotten." "Glengall, I wish this had not happened." "There is one way in which you can atone to me for its bitterness--I don't mind confessing to you that it is bitter." "And that way?" "You must borrow from me what will take you abroad. You must; it is for their sakes." "Very well; if there is no other way. I shall repay you, I hope." "You have plenty of time before you to grow rich in. When you come back next spring, you must finish your _magnum opus_." Mr. Graydon rubbed his hands in boyish cheerfulness. "I shall feel equal to tackling it after a change. I'm afraid I've been vegetating, and the mosses and mildew have grown upon me. You have lived, Glengall, while I was growing into a worthless old block." "It is you who have lived," said Lord Glengall. "You have lived naturally. When I die, it is the end of my line, and I shall have no one to close my eyes." When he found Pam in the drawing-room alone, a little later, he drew her to him, and kissed her hair where it clustered over the white forehead. "I have brought your pretty things, Pam," he said, fumbling in his pocket. "And you have forgiven me?" "I have forgiven you, dear." He fastened the little chain about her neck and the bracelet on her wrist. "You will wear them for me, Pam?" he said. "I should not know what to do with them." "And my ring?" said Pam, wondering. "I have taken back the ring. You are free, Pam; free as air." [Illustration: "You are free, Pam; free as air."] "But I don't want to be free." "You did yesterday, Pam, and you will to-morrow. I have seen Sir Anthony, Pam. He is guiltless, and will come again." "I do not want him to come," cried Pam with a great sob. "I sent him away because I was afraid if he came to you now you would make him and yourself unhappy. He hated to go, but he went. He will come again. You will be good to him, Pam, because you love him. Now, good-bye, my dear. I shall come back when you are married." Pamela's hands were over her eyes, and she was crying quietly. "Another thing, Pam," he said. "I have arranged with your father. He is to winter abroad." "Sylvia will see to that," she answered. "Miss Spencer has made it easy for her. At least, we need not take that from you."