Of course Stafford had not looked upon him as a possible rival; his engagement to Kate Bernard had seemed to put him _hors de combat_.

But he had been equally entitled to regard Stafford as out of the running; for surely Stafford's vow was as binding as his promise.

They stood on an equality: neither could reproach the other--that is to say, each had matter of reproach against the other, but his mouth was closed.

There was then only friendship--only the old bond that nothing was to come between them.

Did this bond carry with it the obligation of standing on one side in such a case as this?
Moreover, time was precious.