"Oh, money, _no_! Books and talk--things. And--and if I loved you, Mark, then don't you see it _would_ be the right thing to marry you?" she added brightly. "But now, it would only be because it was easier, or because I was tired of The Alexander, do you see?" "I suppose so," Mark answered drearily. A long silence ensued. In silence they got off the car, and walked through the cheerless twilight of the dirty streets, and they were almost in sight of the settlement house before Mark burst out, a little huskily: "Then there's no chance for me at all, Julie?" "Oh, Mark, I feel rotten about it!" said Julia frankly, her eyes full of pity and regret, and yet a curious relief evident in her voice. "I _am_ so sorry! I've just been thinking of girls who like this sort of thing--I don't see how they _can_! I _am_ so sorry! But you won't mind very long, Mark; you won't always care; you'll--why, there's Doctor Studdiford's automobile!" For they were in sight of The Alexander now, and could see the electric runabout at the door. Motor cars were still new to San Francisco and to the world, and a crowd of curious children surrounded the machine. "What's he there for?" Mark asked gruffly. Julia explained: the accident--the emergency call. "Well, but the kid is not there now, you say?" "Yes, I know. But he didn't know that. I suppose he's calling on his aunt." To this Mark made no immediate answer. Presently he said: "City and County! I'll bet the city pays for his automobile!" "Oh, no!" Julia protested. "He's a rich man in his own right, Mark." They were at the house now, and went up the steps together. Doctor Studdiford was in the little reception hall with Miss Toland. He looked very handsome, very cheerful, as he came forward with his fine eyes on Julia. And Julia stood looking up at him with an expression Mark never had won from her, her serious, beautiful little face flooded with light, her round eyes soft and luminous. A woman at last, she seemed as she stood there, a grave and wise and beautiful woman, ripe for her share of loving and living, ready to find her mate. "You got the book?" Jim said, with a little laugh. He laughed because his heart was shaking curiously, and because the sudden sight of Julia disconcerted him so that he hardly knew what he said. Julia did not answer; she only touched the wilting and fragrant violets on her breast with her free hand. Jim still held one hand. "You--you'll like Browning," added Jim. And inconsequentially he added, "I was thinking of our little talk yesterday--all night."