a demeanor almost abject in its depressed docility
that he had quite forgotten the Alice of the old
days, when she had spirit and courage enough for
two, and a notable tongue of her own. The flash
in her eyes and the lines of resolution about her
mouth and chin for a moment daunted him.
Then he observed by a flutter of the frill at her
wrist that she was trembling.

"I am sure I have nothing to 'say out in so
many words,' as you put it," he replied, forcing
his voice into cool, impassive tones. "I merely
commented upon a coincidence, that was all. If,
for any reason under the sun, the subject chances
to be unpleasant to you, I have no earthly desire
to pursue it."

"But I insist upon having it pursued !" returned
Alice. "I've had just all I can stand of your
insinuations and innuendoes, and it's high time we
had some plain talk. Ever since the revival, you
have been dropping sly, underhand hints about
Mr. Gorringe and -- and me. Now I ask you
what you mean by it."

Yes, there was a shake in her voice, and he
could see how her bosom heaved in a tremor of
nervousness. It was easy for him to be very calm.

"It is you who introduce these astonishing
suggestions, not I," he replied coldly. "It is you
who couple your name with his, -- somewhat to my
surprise, I admit, -- but let me suggest that we
drop the subject. You are excited just now, and

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