and _would_ live it down; but for me to see her associated with
him through life, it is something dreadful. And what am I to do?
Warn them of the danger myself? oh, no; that will never do! I will
be accused of plotting to secure the prize myself. But you will
certainly do it in justice to the man whom you value as a true
friend, if for nothing else," were the burning thoughts that forced
themselves uppermost, and bade the young man reflect very seriously.
"Yes, that is a motive sufficient to nerve any man; but there is a
deeper one--yes, I will admit it--a selfish one." There was a
struggle going on worthy the soul of this noble-minded youth. He was
trying to solve a problem which vacillated between right and wrong.
It was no common task, for when duty pointed the way, the form of
self overshadowed the path, and showed only fitful gleams of light.

"I will be cautious; but she must not be sacrificed to the artful
wiles of unprincipled tricksters while I have an trinity. Come what
may, I must and _will_ speak out!" Phillip Lawson thus resolved,
with a sense of relief. He knew now how to act, and his mind was
clear, calmly awaiting the hour to carry his resolutions into
effect. But how often do a few careless words change the
whole course of action which hours of thought had premeditated.

Phillip Lawson's high-toned resolutions by these means were
scattered to the winds, and he turned once more to the lofty
aspirations of his intellectual nature for refuge.

Let us explain:

It is the hour of twilight, and the streets have an air of
desertion. The people of fashion that are daily to be seen on King