"But why not?" asked the girl eagerly.

"Because we are pursuing false ideals, we have a wrong conception of what
is _worth while in life_," answered the Scotsman. "Because the sexes
except in rare, very rare, instances, do not understand each other, and
every day are drifting farther apart, while most of the married folk I
know are farthest apart of all. Leslie, what is it in marriage that
constrains people? We can talk, argue and agree or disagree on anything,
why can't the Minturns?"

"From what you say, it would seem to me it's her idea of what is worth
while in life," said Leslie.

"Exactly!" cried Douglas. "But he can sway men! He can do powerful work.
He could induce her to marry him. Why can't he control his own blood?"

"If she should lose her money and become dependent upon him for support,
he could!" said Leslie.

"He should do it anyway," insisted Douglas.

"Do you think you could?" she queried.

"I never thought myself in his place," said Douglas, "but I believe I
will, and if I see glimmerings, I'll suggest them to him."

"Good boy!" said the girl lightly. And then she added: "Do you mind if I
think myself in her place and see if I can suggest a possible point at
which she could be reached? I know her. I shouldn't consider her happy. At