strong lines in Scarborough's face were in evidence. "But it
would disturb me if I were propped up and weren't sure I could
stand alone. I'm afraid to lean on any one or anything--my prop
might give way. And I don't want any friends or any associates
who value me for any other reason than what I myself am. I
purpose never to `belong' to anything or anybody."

Pierson laughed. "Do as you please," he said. "I'd like to
myself if it wasn't such an awful lot of trouble!"

"Not in the end," replied Scarborough.

"Oh, bother the end. To-day's good enough for me."

"You'd better not let Miss Shrewsbury hear you say that," said
Scarborough, his eyes mocking.

Pierson grew serious at once. "Splendid girl, isn't she?" She
happened to be the first he had known at all well who hadn't
agreed with him in everything he said, hadn't shown the greatest
anxiety to please him and hadn't practically thrown herself at
his head. His combination of riches, good looks, an easy-going
disposition and cleverness had so agitated those who had
interested him theretofore that they had overreached themselves.
Besides, his mother had been subtly watchful.

"Indeed, yes," assented Scarborough, heartily but not with
enthusiasm--he always thought of Olivia as Pauline's cousin.

The four had arranged to go together to Indian Rock on the