point in my speech it is a wonder, for I could hardly think of
anything but Ann's disgraceful conduct."

They were now entering a shaded part of the road. Ann was almost out
of sight and walking rapidly homeward. There was no one close behind
Mostyn and Dolly. A full moon shone overhead, and its beams filtered
through the foliage of the trees. He felt the light and yet trusting
touch of her hand on his arm. A warm, triumphant sense of ownership
filled him. How beautiful, how pure, how brave and brilliant she was!
What man of his acquaintance could claim such a bride as she would
make? A few months in his social set and she would easily lead them
all. She was simply a genius, and a beautiful one at that. He had a
temptation to clasp her hand, draw her to him, and kiss her as he had
kissed her three years before. Yet he refrained. He told himself that,
soiled by conventional vice as he was soiled, he would force himself
to respect in the highest this wonderful charge upon his awakened
sense of honor. He found something new and assuring in checking the
passion that filled him like a flood at its height. Yes, she should be
his wife; no other living man should have her. Fate had rescued him in
the nick of time from the temptation to wed for ulterior motives.
Another month in Atlanta and he would have lost his chance at ideal
happiness. Yes, this was different! Irene Mitchell, spoiled pet of
society that she was, could never love him as this strong child of
Nature would, and without love life would indeed be a failure. He
walked slowly. She seemed in no hurry to reach home. Once she raised
her glorious eyes to his, and he felt her hand quiver as she shrank
from his ardent gaze. Another moment, and he would have declared
himself, but, glancing ahead, he saw that her father and mother and
John Webb had paused and were looking toward them.