CHAPTER XXXI.
HIGH-GRADE ORE Stirling waited until the door closed before he turned to Weston.
"Sit down.

We've got to have a straight talk," he said.
Weston complied, feeling that he had to face the most unpleasant few minutes he had ever spent in his life.

He had given way to his passion in a moment of desperation, and he fancied that he could make no defense which would appear reasonable to such a man as his companion.
In spite of this, he was filled with a certain reckless exultation.
Ida Stirling loved him.
"What Miss Stirling told you was correct," he said.

"At least, I intend to marry her if ever--things are propitious; but, as far as I can remember, she did not bind herself." "There are occasions when one's memory gets a little confused," said Stirling, dryly.

"You have made the situation quite clear; but there are one or two points to consider, and, so far, you haven't troubled to ascertain my views on the matter." "That remark," said Weston, "is quite warranted.