at me.

The breaking of my dream had been too sudden, and I had been caught
too high up to alight again on the solid ground of reality with ease
and grace. The night-editor blushed like a school-girl under her
glance, at which she seemed naturally surprised. She, of course, could
imagine no reason why her brief look of curiosity should cause me
confusion and bring a guilty crimson to my face. I took it as a good
omen, however, and said mentally, as I passed out with the others,

"My thoughts have already established a subtle influence over her,
drawing her eyes and the first delicate tendril of interest toward one
to whom she may cling for life."




CHAPTER III

THE SHINING TIDE


As I was strenuously seeking to gain possession of my wits, so that I
could avail myself of any opportunity that offered, or could be made
by adroit, prompt action, the stalwart and elderly Friend, who had
seemed thus far one of the ministers of my impending fate, again took
my hand and said:

"I hope thee'll forgive me for asking thee to conform to our ways, and
not think any rudeness was meant."