He stared at her in absolute horror. "I don't believe you've any
conscience at all," he said.

"I haven't," she sniffled. "I'm too miserable." And throwing
herself into the nearest armchair she wept copiously at the
thought of her many injuries.

Uncertain whether to fly or to remain, Jimmy gazed at her
gloomily. "Well, I'M not laughing myself to death," he said.

For answer Zoie turned upon him vehemently. "I just wish I'd
never laid eyes on you, Jimmy," she cried.

Jimmy was wishing the very same thing.

"If I cared about you," she sobbed, "it wouldn't be so bad; but
to think of losing my Alfred for----" words failed her and she
trailed off weakly,--"for nothing!"

"Thanks," grunted Jimmy curtly. In spite of himself he was
always miffed by the uncomplimentary way in which she disposed of
him.

His sarcasm was lost upon Zoie. Having finished all she had to
say to him, she was now apparently bent upon indulging herself in
a first class fit of hysterics.

There are critical moments in all of our lives when our future
happiness or woe hangs upon our own decision. Jimmy felt
intuitively that he was face to face with such a moment, but