And as he had been thinking for the good, the safety, of Stephen, his thoughts flew swift and true.

This man's very tone, the openness of his malignity, the underlying scorn when he spoke of her whom others worshipped, showed him the danger--the terrible immediate danger in which she stood from such a man.

With the instinct of a mind working as truly for the woman he loved as the needle does to the Pole he spoke quietly, throwing a sneer into the tone so as to exasperate his companion--it was brain against brain now, and for Stephen's sake: 'And of course you accepted.

You naturally would!' The other fell into the trap.

He could not help giving an extra dig to his opponent by proving him once more in the wrong.
'Oh no, I didn't! Stephen is a fine girl; but she wants taking down a bit.