divined that Mel Iden gloried in the presence of a maimed and proven
soldier.

"Mel, I'll come to see you," he said, breaking the spell. "Do you
still live out on the Hill road? I remember the four big white oaks."

"No, Daren, I've left home," she said, with slow change, as if his
words recalled something she had forgotten. All the radiance vanished,
leaving her singularly white.

"Left home! What for?" he asked, bluntly.

"Father turned me out," she replied, with face averted. The soft
roundness of her throat swelled. Lane saw her full breast heave under
her coat.

"What're you saying, Mel Iden?" he demanded, as quickly as he could
find his voice.

Then she turned bravely to meet his gaze, and Lane had never seen as
sad eyes as looked into his.

"Daren, haven't you heard--about me?" she asked, with tremulous lips.

"No. What's wrong?"

"I--I can't let you call on me."

"Why not? Are you married--jealous husband?"