"A better one?"

"Well, I don't know that I can say that it is," answered St. John, saving
his conscience in the form of the words.

Hewson knew that he was lying, and he had no mercy on him. "Then I
believe I'll stick to my bargain. You say that the other party hasn't
bettered my offer, and so I needn't withdraw on your account. I'm not
bound to withdraw for any other reason."

"No, of course not." St. John rubbed his chin, as if hesitating to eat
his words, however unpalatable; but in the end he seemed not to find it
possible. "Well," he said, disgustedly, as he floundered up to take his
leave, "I thought I ought to come and give you the chance."

"It's very nice of you," said Hewson, with a smile that made itself a
derisive grin in spite of him, and a laugh of triumph when the door had
closed upon St. John.




XIII.


After the first flush of Hewson's triumph had passed he began to enjoy it
less, and by-and-by he did not enjoy it at all. He had done right not
only in keeping St. John from plundering Miss Hernshaw, but in standing
firm and taking the punishment which ought to fall upon him and not on