begin all over--"

"There's nowhere under heaven I wouldn't send him if he'd go with the
purpose of beginning all over, but he won't stay away. About six
months ago he went to South America and stayed four months. Since he
got home he's been worse than ever--reckless, defiant, and drinking
heavily. His health has gone and most of his money; practically all
of it. I don't know what to do. I want to do what is right. Tell
me what it is, Danny."

My breath was drawn in shiveringly and the frightened face of the
girl with the baby in her arms again seemed close to me. Why was I
so halting, so afraid to speak? Usually I reached decisions quickly,
but I couldn't get rid of the girl's eyes. They seemed appealing for
protection. Until I knew more about her I must say nothing. Mrs.
Mundy must go to see her and then--

"I know I shouldn't bother you with all this." Selwyn's voice
recalled me and the face in the fire vanished. "But there is no one
else I can talk to. I should as soon go to a patient in a nerve
sanitarium as to Mildred. As a sister Mildred is not a success.
She'd first have hysterics and tell me I was brutal to poor Harrie,
and then declare that to marry a million dollars was the chance of a
lifetime for him. One of the ten thousand things I can't understand
about women is their defense of men, their acceptance of
his--shortcomings, and their disregard of the woman who must pay the
price of the latter. Mildred would probably not give Miss Swink a
thought."

"Harrie's sister and his mamma-in-law-to-be will doubtless find each