"You forgot me," she protested, gently, touched by this sign of
contrition. "I do care for you, Monty, but don't you see it's no
little thing you ask of me? I must be sure--very sure--before I--
before--"

"Don't be so distressed," he pleaded. "You will love me, I know,
because you love me now. This means much to me, but it means more
to you. You are the woman and you are the one whose happiness
should be considered. I can live only in the hope that when I come
to you again with this same story and this same question you'll
not be afraid to trust yourself to me."

"You deserve to be happy for that, Monty," she said, earnestly,
and it was with difficulty that she kept her eyes from wavering as
they looked into his.

"You will let me try to make you love me?" he asked, eagerly.

"I may not be worth the struggle."

"I'll take that chance," he replied.

She was conscious of disappointment after he was gone. He had not
pleaded as ardently as she had expected and desired, and, try as
she would, she could not banish the touch of irritation that had
come to haunt her for the night.

Brewster walked to the club, elated that he had at least made a
beginning. His position was now clear. Besides losing a fortune he