"'Don't cross a bridge 'til you get to it' is not so classic, perhaps,
but it saves a lot of needless worry."

"'Foresight is better than hindsight' is equally unclassic, and
infinitely better generalship. Bridges crossed at the last moment are
generally crossed from the wrong end, I have noticed." The man leaned
toward her and looked straight into her eyes. "Oh, Miss Elliston--can't
you see--I am thinking of your welfare--of your safety; I have known you
but a short time, as acquaintance is reckoned, but already you have
become more to me than----"

Chloe interrupted him with a gesture.

"Don't--please--I----"

Lapierre ignored the protest, and, seizing her hand in both his own,
spoke rapidly. "I will say it! I have known it from the moment of our
first meeting. I love you! And I shall win you--and together we
will----"

"Oh, don't--don't--not--now--please!"

The man bowed and released the hand. "I can wait," he said gravely.
"But please--for your own good--take my advice. I know the North. I was
born in the North, and am of the North. I have sought only to help you.
Why do you refuse to profit by my experience? Must you endure what I
have endured to learn what I offer freely to tell you? I shudder to
think of It. The knowledge gleaned by experience may be the most
lasting, but it is dearly purchased, and at a great loss--always." The
man's voice was very earnest, and Chloe detected a note of mild reproach.