haven't been able to raise it. Stillwell's in worse shape than I
am."

Madeline went over to Alfred and put her hands on his shoulders.

"We must not be in debt."

He stared at her as if her words had recalled something long
forgotten. Then he smiled.

"How imperious you are! I'd fcrgotten just who my beautiful
sister really is. Majesty, you're not going to ask me to take
money from you?"

"I am."

"Well, I'll not do it. I never did, even when I was in college,
and then there wasn't much beyond me."

"Listen, Alfred," she went on, earnestly, "this is entirely
different. I had only an allowance then. You had no way to know
that since I last wrote you I had come into my inheritance from
Aunt Grace. It was--well, that doesn't matter. Only, I haven't
been able to spend half the income. It's mine. It's not father's
money. You will make me very happy if you'll consent. Alfred,
I'm so--so amazed at the change in you. I'm so happy. You must
never take a backward step from now on. What is ten thousand
dollars to me? Sometimes I spend that in a month. I throw money
away. If you let me help you it will be doing me good as well as
you. Please, Alfred."