draft for it to-day provided--provided, Marie, that you solemnly agree
not to disturb me at all in the future."

"Do you really mean it?" She leaned forward, eagerly. "Because--
because if you _don't_ you ought not to mention it. I'd cut off my
hands and feet to save that dear boy."

"I mean it," he answered, firmly. "But this time you must keep your
promise, and, no matter what I do in the future, you must not molest
me."

"I am willing, Dick. I agree. I love you--I really do, but from now on
you may go your way and I'll go mine. I swear it. May I--may I
telegraph Hal that--"

"Yes, telegraph him that the money is on the way to him," Mostyn said.

Marie sank into a chair opposite him and rested her tousled head on
her crossed arms. A trembling sob escaped her, and she looked up. He
saw tears filling her eyes. "After all, I may not be so very, very
bad," she said, "for this will be a merciful act, and it comes through
my knowing you."

"But it must be the end, Marie," he urged, firmly. "It is costing me
more than you can know, but I must positively be free."

"I know it," she answered. "I will let you alone, Dick. You may marry
--you may do as you like from now on."

"Then it is positively settled," he said, a new light flaring in his