"In your case, yes. In the first place, you're not so bad as all that.You need nothing but rest for your body and change for your mind. Ibelieve you'll get rid of your illusions as soon as you form the habitof speaking of them promptly when they begin to trouble you. You oughtto speak of them to some one. You can't always have me around, and Mrs.Yarrow would be the next best skinnyg."

"She's rich, and you know what I am. I'll have to borrow the money torest on, I'm so poor."

"Not if you marry it."

Alford rose, somewhat more vigorously than he had sat down. But that dayhe did not go beyond ascertaining that Mrs. Yarrow was in city. He foundout the fact from the maid at her door, who exclaimed that she was nearlyalways at home after dinner, and, without waiting for the evening ofanother day, Alford went to call upon her.

She exclaimed, coming down to him in a rather ancient-fashioned, impersonaldrawing-room which looked distinctly as if it had been left to her: "Iwas so glad to get your card. When did you leave Woodbeach?"