"He seems to have influence--and not much else. But Mr. Blaisdell is trying to see that you get fair play." "Is it necessary for Mr. Blaisdell to use his influence very actively in my favor?" "I'm afraid it is." "I'm sorry. I knew, of course, that you and he would do all you could--if it was needed. But I thought perhaps my plans would justify the committee--" "They do. And they justify any work that has been done for you. There is no obligation that need weigh heavily on you." "It isn't that. I appreciate my--my friends' willingness to help. But I'd hoped to be able to win solely on my merits in this thing." "Do you wish us--Mr. Blaisdell to refrain?" "No. I need to get back into my profession. It means so much to me--in a new way--that I'll be glad to have it on any terms. That doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for the kindness I've had here.-- But I'm interrupting." And David went back to his drawing. All that day he avoided Esther, sticking close to his table. Not until she was leaving at the end of the afternoon did he seek her. "Miss Summers, I forgot to tell your aunt that I shan't be back until day after to-morrow. Will you please tell her for me?" "You are going away?" "Yes." He made no explanation. "I will tell her." "Thank you." And because he was holding himself sternly rigid, lest eyes or tone cry out what must not be said, he spoke almost curtly. She moved quietly away from him and did not once look back, though she knew he was watching her. But when a door was between them she stopped for a moment, quivering lips pressed hard, both hands tightly clenched. Then she, too, sought Jonathan. "Mr. Radbourne, the church people telephoned to-day that I can have the position." "I am very glad. When shall you be leaving the office?" "At the end of the week, if you can get some one for my place." "So soon! I--" "I will stay as long as I'm needed, of course." "Oh, no! You're quite right to go at once. I can get some one to do your work. But not to take your place. I shall--" Jonathan seemed deeply interested in the crystal paperweight on his desk. "We shall miss you very much." "I haven't thanked you--" "Please don't thank me for anything. I have done nothing any one could not have done. It is," he said huskily, "it is to my happiness, my great happiness, if I have been able to help you a very little." Then he looked up and saw her face. "Miss Summers! You look overtired--and I have kept you standing. You must sit down, and let me get you--" "It is nothing at all." She forced a smile to her lips. "It is only the reaction from yesterday. The ride home in the car is all I need. Good night, Mr. Radbourne." "You are quite sure--" "Oh, yes. Quite all right, Mr. Radbourne." "Good night, Miss Summers." And when she was gone, he sat down and took a small mirror from a drawer and looked long and sadly at what it recorded. Suddenly he dropped the mirror and bowed his head on the desk.