Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/297

 thing. But what's the use? Let's be practical. Come in here." He slid an arm around her waist and half carried her into the parlor. Then he fetched her a glass of wine from his father's study. It was communion wine. Lacrimæ Christi—tears of Christ. The alcoholic content was low, but it brought some color into her cheeks. He made her take the easiest chair. He put some cushions back of her and one under her feet.

"Feel better?"

"I always feel better when I'm with you."

Her words warmed his heart.

"And safe?"

"Safe."

"That's good. Then listen, you poor little kid, and let's see if we can't find some way to make life worth living."

First he told her about John's marriage to the girl that James had ruined and how it had devolved upon him to take charge and custody of the child of that ruination. Then he told her about Anne and the baby that Anne was going to have; and about Anne's jealousy and his love for Anne.

"I'll always love Anne," he said, "and I'll always be faithful to her. But we can't be married because she is married, and it wouldn't complicate matters much if I were married too, and it would protect you—and I'd give my painting hand to