thing, perhaps. Yet, it was capable of meaning much concerning
the nature of the lad. It revealed surely a tender heart, one
responsive to a pure love. And to one of his class, there are
many forces ever present to atrophy such simple, wholesome power
of loving. The ability to love cleanly and absolutely is the
supreme virtue.

Sarah explained that Mr. Gilder had been called to the Court of
General Sessions by the judge.

Dick interrupted her with a gust of laughter.

"What's Dad been doing now?" he demanded, his eyes twinkling.
Then, a reminiscent grin shaped itself on his lips. "Remember
the time that fresh cop arrested him for speeding? Wasn't he
wild? I thought he would have the whole police force
discharged." He smiled again. "The trouble is," he declared
sedately, "that sort of thing requires practice. Now, when I'm
arrested for speeding, I'm not in the least flustered--oh, not a
little bit! But poor Dad! That one experience of his almost
soured his whole life. It was near the death of him--also, of
the city's finest."

By this time, the secretary had regained her usual poise, which
had been somewhat disturbed by the irruption of the young man.
Her round face shone delightedly as she regarded him. There was
a maternal note of rebuke in her voice as she spoke:

"Why, we didn't expect you back for two or three months yet."