Beatrice looked at him doubtfully; suddenly she realized. “You fear father’ll find out you did it? I hadn’t thought of that. No--you mustn’t, Hanky. I’ll get some one else.” “You’ve got to let me do it,” insisted he. “Anyone who didn’t know all the circumstances would make a mess of it. I want to do it. And it isn’t much of a risk.” The event was that she yielded. Toward noon the next day he telephoned that he had the bonds--had paid forty-one thousand dollars for them--exactly. “I’ve got them here at my house. I can bring them to you this afternoon if you like.” “Do,” said Beatrice. And at four he came with a parcel. Her eyes brightened at sight of it. “I, too, have a package,” said she. “So I see. What is it?” “Your forty-one thousand in Governments.” “But Governments are worth more.” The girl laughed. “Not a cent. I didn’t say forty-one thousand par. I had the exact calculation made at the bank.” “What an ass I am, to forget you were Daniel Richmond’s daughter.” “Give me my railway bonds.” The exchange was made, he pretending that he did not dare release his hold on his package until she had given him a hold on hers. The waiters, idle in the restaurant at that hour, grinned at the sight of so much gayety in two such superior-looking, young people. And it certainly did look like a love affair--an engagement. Nor is it surprising that Peter, full of the sense of having done her quite a favor and not without risk to himself, should have again become hopeful that this girl--“such a stunner--and so dead square, too”--might be thinking more favorably of him. “Now that these things are straightened out, Beatrice,” said he, “and as you’ve got over your notions about Wade--why not give _me_ a chance?” She laughed. “Allie’s affianced!” mocked she. “I’ve told you that----” “But,” interrupted she, “I never told you that I was--was cured--of Roger Wade.” “But you are. And he’s off your conscience.” Beatrice’s eyes had an expression that sent a pang--and a thrill, too--through him. “Peter--I love him,” she said with quiet intensity--Dan Richmond intensity. “And I think you know now what that means with me.” He paled, stared at his cup. “I wish to God I didn’t,” he muttered. “Now, Peter, you don’t mean that and you know it. The only reason you keep after me is because you’ve always been used to having your own way and you hate to be baffled.” “That’s all the reason you stick on after Wade,” retorted he. She laughed. “I’ll admit that has something to do with it. But not all, Hanky. And the other part’s the important part.” “You must know he’s after your money,” said he, looking down sourly. “And you?” retorted she. “Oh, I,” said he with Vanderkief hauteur. “I fancy I’m above suspicion.” “Father says that the people who do the queerest tricks are the ones that’re above suspicion--and take advantage of it. My, but you’re red, Hanky. And while we’re suspecting-- Did you get those bonds for me just because you----”