But in spite of Howard’s wild life, there was something underlying it all that would, if he had admitted it, proclaimed him the son of his mother also, and there was not a little of Marjorie’s Puritanism lying dormant in the subconsciousness of her son. Howard’s reaction now to what his sister had told him of where she was going and her admission of the deception she had practiced in order to do as she pleased rather amazed him, as much as the facts themselves disturbed him. Who was he, he thought, to censor anyone? But with Druid it was different. Elinor was his sister. It was his duty to see that she was not led into anything or any place where harm could reach her. He had been right in telling her he knew all about Templeton Druid and the manner of man the actor was. His fine eyebrows knit in perplexity as he considered the matter. It would not do to let Elinor go on. Quite fully he realized that. But equally well he realized that no word of his would in the least turn her from the path she had chosen. It was obviously a case where he would have to play tale bearer, no matter how angry his sister might be. He crunched out the lighted end of his cigarette with a force that showed his mind made up, rose and crossed the room. “Griggs!” he called down the hallway. “Is dad upstairs?” “No, Mr. Howard,” was the reply. “Mr. Benton didn’t come home for dinner—I believe he said he would remain at the club.” Howard turned in the direction of his mother’s room. But before he had gone many steps thought better of it and turned about, muttering to himself. “No, she wouldn’t understand—I’ll see dad to-morrow.” Nell Thurston’s jolly and interesting companionship drove all thoughts of Elinor from his mind, and it was not until they were seated in The Claridge, having dinner, that he was unexpectedly reminded of her again. “I feel so wonderfully independent to-night,” Nell laughed. “Just imagine, this is the first time I have ever been out with a gentleman unchaperoned; but mother and dad, having known you ever since you were a youngster, feel toward you as if you were my brother.” “Well, I sure do feel complimented to think they have confidence enough in me to trust me with their precious child,” he rejoined laughingly. “I didn’t know your folks went in so much for all this propriety stuff.” “Mother’s not nearly as strict as dad. I could reason with her easily,” she sighed, “but dad is so set in his ideas.” “Isn’t that funny? It’s just the reverse in our family. Dad’s dead easy—it’s mother who is the difficult one.” “Oh—I know—Elinor’s talked enough about it,” Nell replied. “Your mother may have her peculiarities, but just the same, I admire her, because she has the courage to stand by her convictions. By the way, how does she feel about Elinor and Templeton Druid—or doesn’t she know about him yet?” “Why, what is there to know about Elinor and Druid?” Howard turned to face her, as surprised as he was anxious.