He stopped, stilled by a sudden, overwhelming sense of desolation. All this meant that he would have to leave Christine! His days with the show were over. His sweet, throbbing hours with her were at an end. Life for him had changed as with the blinking of an eye. Nothing could be the same. All the loneliness of despair he had known during those weeks of fear and trembling was as naught compared to the outlook that now confronted him, so bleak and so barren that his young soul sickened. For the moment it seemed to him that she was about to go out of his life forever. His heart revolted. There surged up the fierce impulse to cast away his patrimony, his name, his pride and honor. He would not desert her, even for a day. "As for my plans," he began once more, and again stopped. Joey understood the struggle that was going on within him. The old clown, in his own capricious life, had been called upon a hundred times to give up the things he loved, the associations he cherished. "We'll talk 'em over later on, David," he said, putting his arm over the boy's shoulder. "Come along with me and Ruby. We'll go to a restaurant and 'ave a bite together. I--I suppose you'll be saying good-by to them striped tights and the spotted trunks." "I should like to buy them, Joey," cried David eagerly. "They are yours, my lad; take 'em. They belong to me. Now, let's get out of this. I don't think it's best for Brad to find you 'ere." As they left the lot, David carrying all of his possessions in the unwieldy satchel, they were met by Colonel Grand. "David," said he, falling in beside them, "have you sufficient funds to carry you back to old Virginia? If you need money, I will gladly let you have it--as a loan." They were surprised by the offer. David hated him. "No, Colonel Grand, I can't take your money, even as a loan. It will be easy for me to raise the amount." The Colonel gave him an ugly smile. "As you like," he said. He lifted his hat to Ruby and abruptly turned back. Far ahead were two figures that they knew well. Mrs. Braddock and Christine were hurrying away from the grounds as if desirous of avoiding a meeting with the young man. David urged his companions to a more rapid walk. They overtook the Braddocks at the corner of an avenue which led off to the residence section of the town. "You have heard?" asked David, as they turned in response to his call. "You know what has happened?" He could see that the girl had been crying. Mrs. Braddock's face was white and set. "Yes," said the older woman. "And you are going home, David?" She spoke quietly. "I--I don't know yet," he stammered. Christine's face had been averted. Now she looked at him. "You--oh, David, you don't really think of staying with us?" she cried, her eyes glowing. "You must not think of it, David," whispered her mother hastily. "Your place is at Jenison Hall. You belong there. Lose no time, my dear boy, in returning to your home."