"That is a very delicate matter to discuss," Loring, with
professional caution, gravely reminded her, fearing that she might
mention Gresham's name.

"You are quite right," she agreed. "What does Mr. Gamble think about
it all?"

"Johnny does a lot of thinking and a lot of talking, but you can't
hear what he thinks," replied Loring with a smile. "He is outwardly
assuming--and where Collaton is certain to have it repeated to him--
that Collaton was merely unfortunate; but I believe he is only
waiting for a proof--and then I imagine he will drop on Collaton and
whoever is helping him like a ton of pig-iron."

"I hope he does!" declared Constance with such sudden vindictiveness
that Loring laughed.

"You seem to have acquired a violent partisanship," he charged her
with a curious smile.

"Yes, I have," she admitted with a slight flush. "I like fair play.
I believe I have a very even temper, but it angers me to see any one
so open and manly and generous as Mr. Gamble made a victim of mean
trickery."

"He's a handsome boy too," commented Loring, grinning.

"Well, suppose he is," she petulantly laughed.

"He has a right to be," granted Loring, looking at her with renewed