Keep your secret, Mr.Hathaway, the court is with you." Nevertheless, as they passed out of the room to join the ladies, the Mayor lingered a little behind with Woods.

"It's easy to see the influence of that Pendleton on our young friend," he said, significantly.

"Somebody ought to tell him that it's played out down here--as Pendleton is.

It's quite enough to ruin his career." Paul was too observant not to notice this, but it brought him no sense of remorse; and his youthful belief in himself and his power kept him from concern.

He felt as if he had done something, if only to show Don Caesar that the girl's weakness or ignorance could not be traded upon with impunity.