were steadily increasing in value, and raise seventy per cent. of their market value. He could put a mortgage on his lots and get money there, if necessary. He had establ

ealize surely, quickly. He saw fine prospective profits in the stre

all of fifteen thousand dollars, his intention of going into the note-brokerage business. She knew his father was likely to succeed to the position of vice-president in the Third National Bank, and she liked the Cowperwoods. Now she began to realize that there was something more than mere friendship h

ld not or should not like other women at the same time. There was a great deal of palaver about the sanctity of the home. It rolled off his mental sphere like water off the feathers of a duck. He was not eager for her money, though he was well aware of it. He felt that he could use i

going to bed, she stopped in front of her dressing table and looked at her face and her bare neck and arms. They were very pretty. A subtle something came over her as she surveyed

often?" she asked him when h

replied, looking at her

N

you

and I always thought you liked me

e here," h

I'm h

e to be with you. Don't

. You're so much younger. I'm

han you are in other ways. I know more about life in some ways than you ca

of things you don't know." She laug

re on the side porch. T

o get a woman's point of view exactly. But I'm talking about pra

what

hy I came to see you.

silence and sta

e eyes, had an expression which was almost babyish. She could not have guessed the depths it veiled. His cheeks were pink, his hands

e won't think well of it." She ventured to take a distant,

eople think what you want them to think. I wish

hy

e I lik

wrong. I can't ever marry you.

There's nothing to it. I want you to marr

such a thing!" she exclaimed. "It

't it?"

der. People would think it stra

about what people think. They don't make your life. They certainly don't make mine. Think of yourself first. You

t want to,"

over to her, loo

ked, nervously

y looked

queried, mor

to take her arms

I'll go in the house, and I'll not let you come any more. It'

ight, when they had gone inside because of the mosquitoes, and when she had insisted that he must stop coming to see her, that

told you! It's silly! You mustn't k

d her swiftly. As she pushed the door to he forced it open and recaptured her.

k to you any more. I will never let you come here any

u down," at the same time pulling her face to him

the stairs again into the living-room, and seated himself

ause of the set determination of his face, some intense pull in him, she smiled. "How w

do that. And you needn't worry

e," she

marrying your family. I'm marryi

suasion to his caresses. Mr. Semple had never displayed any such fire. He aroused a force

month?" he asked, chee

exclaimed, nervously. "T

ally." He was thinking how attractive he could make her look in

while. I will marry you after a while

ight. "I'll sho

top. You

t it? Two

ainly

hr

l, m

n that case

're only

. You'll find out how

never really lived before. This man represented something bigger and stronger tha

" she whispered, while he ro