"It ought to be obvious. A yacht costs something and my keeping an expensive toy wouldn't be justified just now." "Romantic exaggeration! You're frankly ridiculous," said Marston with some warmth. "Wyndhams' isn't going broke." Wyndham picked up the newspaper and indicated an advertisement. "I really think I'm logical. Perhaps, this ought to persuade you I've made up my mind." "Preposterous!" Marston exclaimed, throwing down the paper. "Your pretty new house? Besides, it's Flora's house as well as yours!" "Flora agrees," said Wyndham quietly. Marston got up and his face was red. "Looks as if you don't mean to let me help much. It's senseless exaggeration; things aren't as bad as you make out. However, I've had enough. I'll get angry if I stay." "You ought to approve; I imagined you liked a thorough job," Wyndham rejoined, and Marston frowned as he crossed the floor. Men spoke to him as he passed their tables, but he did not stop and going to the drawing-room found Flora alone. When he came in she put down her book and indicated an easy chair. "Stop and talk to me, Bob. I was beginning to feel neglected," she said. "But what has happened? You look annoyed." "I am rather savage," Marston admitted. "Think I'll stand until I get cool. Do you know Harry has sold _Red Rose_?" "I knew he wanted to sell her," Flora said quietly. "This is not all. D'you know about the ridiculous advertisement he's put in the newspaper?" "Of course! I don't altogether see why you are surprised." Marston hesitated. He did not want to admit he had been surprised, and, after studying Flora thought he could not urge that Wyndham's reformation might be overdone. "Anyhow, you can see why I'm annoyed," he said. "I'm Harry's partner and am going to marry your oldest friend." "I have not forgotten this and it helps me to be frank. You're generous, Bob, but Harry has done wrong and must pay. He cannot make good at another's cost." "The trouble is, _you_ must pay. Your house, for example! You planned it, you worked out all the colors, and thought where everything ought to go. The house is beautiful, you're proud of it, and a woman's home means much to her." Flora turned her head for a moment, but when she looked up again her eyes shone. "I would sooner be proud of my husband. I am proud now and am going to be prouder. Harry has pluck and meeting obstacles spurs him on. Our part is to encourage him, while he struggles up hill. I know he'll reach the top." "With a wife like you, he ought to go far," said Marston quietly. "I'm sorry you won't let me help in the way I want, but s'pose I must agree. Don't know if I'm romantic, but I've felt the world's a better place since I knew you and Mabel." He went off and soon afterwards Chisholm came in, carrying a newspaper.