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 mean in Morton's ears. She went on, enthusiastically, "Her home-coming is such a joy to me. She is one of the few really loyal, honest women, trustworthy and genuine, who would burn off their hands rather than hurt a friend!"

Morton nodded appreciation. "A woman in a thousand, and I am as glad to see your affection for her as I am sorry to see you wasting yourself on a cad like Valdeck."

Philippa saw her chance and took it.

"You have no real reason to dislike him, Morton, and you know it!"

"Oh, haven't I?"

"It's just because he is here so much, and you're—you're—it hurts me to have you think—" She broke off with a plaintive note.

He had never seen her with the bars of her coquetry down, and his love of her flamed up with the vision of his hope. He came across quickly, leaning with both hands on the tea-table. "I'm foolish because I'm jealous, because—I love you, Philippa."

She fumbled with the sugar-tongs, her fair head bent. Forcibly he raised her reluctant chin and 86