``There was a lot of stuff in it against me. Most of it
demagoguing, of course, but more or less hysterical campaigning.
The only nasty article about me--a downright personal attack on
my sincerity-- was signed `S. G.' ''

``Oh--to be sure,'' said Jane, with smiling insincerity. ``I had
almost forgotten what you told me. Well, it's easy enough to
bribe her to silence. Go offer yourself to her.''

A long silence, then Davy said: ``I don't believe she'd accept
me.''

``Try it,'' said Jane.

Again a long pause. David said sullenly: ``I did.''

Selma Gordon had refused David Hull! Half a dozen explanations
of this astounding occurrence rapidly suggested themselves. Jane
rejected each in turn at a glance. ``You're sure she understood
you?''

``I made myself as clear as I did when I proposed to you,''
replied Davy with a lack of tact which a woman of Jane's kind
would never forget or forgive.

Jane winced, ignored. Said she: ``You must have insisted on
some conditions she hesitated to accept.''

``On her own terms,'' said Davy.