Willis Marsh, on the contrary, lost no time in emerging from his taciturn mood upon Boyd's departure, and seemed filled with even more than his accustomed optimism. Whatever had been the cause of his transitory depression, he could not fail to reflect that his fortunes had been singularly fair of late; and now that the other man was out of the way, Miss Wayland, for the first time in his acquaintance, began to display a lively interest in his affairs, which made his satisfaction complete. She questioned him closely regarding his work and habits in the North, letting down her reserve to such an unparalleled extent that when Mr. Wayland at last excused himself and retired to the library, Marsh felt that the psychological moment had arrived. [Illustration: MILDRED CEASED PLAYING AND SWUNG ABOUT--"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?"] "This has been a day of triumphs for me," he stated, "and I am anxious to crown it with even a greater good-fortune." "Don't be greedy," the girl cautioned. "That is man's nature." She laughed lightly. "Having used my poor, yielding parent for your own needs, you now wish to employ his innocent child in the same manner. Is there no limit to your ambition?" "There is, and I can reach it with your help." "Please don't count on me; I am the most disappointing of creatures." But he disregarded her words. "I hope not; at any rate, I must know." "I warn you," she said. "Nevertheless, I insist; and yet--I don't quite know how to begin. It isn't a new story to you perhaps--what I am trying to say--but it is to me, I can assure you--and it means everything to me. I don't even have to tell you what it is--you must have seen it in my eyes. I--I have never cared much for women--I am a man's man, but--" "Please don't," she interrupted, quietly. But he continued, unheeding: "You must know that I love you. Every man must love you, but no man could love you more than I do. I--I could make a lot of romantic avowals, Miss--Mildred, but I am not an adept at such things. You can make me very happy if--" "I am sorry--" "I know. What I have said is trite, but my whole heart is in it. Your father approves, I am quite sure, and so it all rests with you." For the first time the girl realized the deadly earnestness of the man and felt the unusual force of his personality, which made it seem no light matter to refuse him. He took his disappointment quietly, however, and raised himself immensely in her estimation by his graceful acceptance of the inevitable. "It is pretty hard on a fellow," he smiled, "but please don't let it make any difference in our relations. I hope to remain a welcome visitor and to see as much of you as before." "More, if you wish." "I begin to understand that Mr. Emerson is a lucky chap." He still smiled. She ignored his meaning, and replied: "Boyd and I have been the closest of friends for many years."