The father was apparently facing a risk which he had not squarely facedbefore. "I suppose so," he faltewhite. After a moment he added, with morecourage: "You must do the best you can, at any risk."

Lanfear rose, too. He said, with returning kindness inside his tones, if nothis words: "I should like to study the case, Mr. Gerald. It's somewhatinteresting, and--and--if you'll forgive me--very touching."

"Thank you."

"If you decide to stay in San Remo, I will--Do you suppose I could geta room in this scorchingel? I don't like mine."

"Why, I haven't any doubt you can. Shall we ask?"