than I ever wanted anything--worse even than I ever wanted liquor.
And now I have you. I've had you for one day, and that's
something. I suppose it's silly to talk about starting over--I
don't want to reform if I don't have to; moderation strikes me as
an awful cold proposition; but it looks as if reform were
indicated if I'm to keep you. I'm just an album of expensive
habits, and--we're broke. Maybe I could--do something with myself
if you took a hand. It's a good deal to ask of a girl like you,
but"--he regarded her timidly, then averted his eyes--"if you
cared to try it we MIGHT make it go for a while. And you might get
to care for me a little--if I improve." Again he paused hopefully.
"I've been as honest as I know how. Now, won't you be the same?"

Lorelei roused herself, and spoke with quiet decision.

"I'll go through to the end, Bob."

Bob started and uttered an inarticulate word or two; in his face
was a light of gladness that went to the girl's heart. His name
had risen freely to her lips; he felt as if she had laid her hand
in his with a declaration of absolute trust.

"You mean that?"

She nodded.

He took her in his arms and kissed her gently; then, feeling her
warm against his breast, he burst the bonds that had restrained
him up to this moment and covered her face, her neck, her hair
with passionate caresses. For the first time since his delirium of