Robert Burleigh. What was love that it defied the Will? Why could not
she shake up her brain as one shakes up a misused sofa-cushion and
beat it into proper shape? What was love that persisted in spite of
the Will and the judgment, that came whence no mortal could discover,
but an abnormal condition of the brain, a convolution that no human
treatment could reach? But she only shook her head at Burleigh,
although she knew that it would be wisdom to give him her hand in full
view of the stragglers in the gallery.

"I must go now," she said. "I have calls to pay. Come and dine with us
to-night. If there is even a chance of our losing you, my mother and I
must have all of you that we can, meanwhile."




VI



"It is just a year ago to-day, Betty, that you nearly killed me by
announcing your determination to go into politics--or whatever you
choose to call it. I put down the date. A great deal has happened
since then--poor dear Jack! And I often think of that unfortunate
creature, too. But you and I are here in this same room, and I wonder
if you are glad or sorry that you entered upon this eccentric course."

"I have no regrets," said Betty, smiling. "And I don't think you have.
You like every man that comes here, and while they are talking to you
forget that you ever had an ache. As for me--no, I have no regrets,