“Well, my boy,” I said, patting him kindly on the shoulder, “I hardly know what to say to you about this thing. You've got yourself in the dickens of a box, but I don't mind telling you I think your heart is in the right place, and, whatever has happened, I don't believe you have intentionally done wrong. Maybe at your age you do not realize that it is not safe to be engaged to two people at the same time, especially when they belong to the same family. Scientific heart-breakers, as a rule, take care that their fiancees are not only not related, but live in different sections of the country, and as I have no liking for preaching I shall not dwell further upon the subject.” “I think I realize my position keenly enough without putting you to the trouble,” said Goward, gazing gloomily out of the window. “What I will say, however,” said I, “is that I'll do all I can to help you out of your trouble. As one son-in-law to another, eh?” “You are very kind,” said he, gripping me by the hand. “I will go to Mrs. Talbert--she is the best one to talk to--first, and tell her just what you have told me, and it is just possible that she can explain it to Peggy,” I went on. “I--I think I could do that myself if I only had the chance,” he said, ruefully. “Well, then--I'll try to make the chance. I won't promise that I will make it, because I can't answer for anybody but myself. Some day you will find out that women are peculiar. But what I can do I will,” said I. “And, furthermore, as the general attorney for the family I will cross-examine Aunt Elizabeth--put her through the third degree, as it were, and try to show her how foolish it is for her to make so serious a matter of a trifling flirtation.” “I wouldn't, if I were you,” said Goward, with a frown. “She needn't be involved in the affair any more than she already is. She is not in the least to blame.” “Nevertheless,” said I, “she may be able to help us to an easy way out--” “She can't,” said Goward, positively. “Excuse me, Mr. Goward,” said I, chilling a trifle in my newly acquired friendliness, “but is there any real reason why I should not question Miss Talbert--” “Oh no, none at all,” he hastened to reply. “Only I--I see no particular object in vexing her further in a matter that must have already annoyed her sufficiently. It is very good of you to take all this trouble on my account, and I don't wish you to add further to your difficulties, either,” he added. I appreciated his consideration, with certain reservations. However, the latter were not of such character as to make me doubt the advisability of standing his friend, and when we parted a few minutes later I left him with the intention of becoming his advocate with Peggy and her mother, and at the same time of having it out with Aunt Elizabeth.