"Don't you see, Helen, I'm a young fellow myself, and--and you know Lois did not care for me when I--told her.

And if I said anything now, it would only mean that I was jealous, that I wanted her myself.

Whereas, I give you my word," striking his fist sharply on his knee, "if he was fit for her, I'd rejoice; yes, I--I love her so much that if I saw her happy with any other man (who was worthy of her!) I'd be glad!" Helen looked doubtful, but did not discuss that; she ran her hand along her needle, and gave her elastic work a pull.

"Tell me more about him," she said.
But Gifford had not much to tell; it was only his vague distrust of the man, which it was difficult to put into words.

"A good out-and-out sinner one can stand," he ended; "but all I saw of this Forsythe at the club and about town only made me set him down as a small man, a--a puppy, as I said.