A dress rustled and he turned, confronting Nan. Her face was scarlet and two tears were creeping down her checks. With a sob she threw herself into his arms.
"Forgive me, Jim!"
"Forgive me, dear, if I've seemed unreasonable," was the low answer.
"But you will think it over, won't you? just for my sake—just because I ask it—won't you?"
"Just because you ask it—yes, I will, dearest!"
He kissed her tenderly and walked home with a great sickening fear slowly creeping into his heart.
CHAPTER IV
MR. BIVENS CALLS
Stuart waked next morning with a sense of hopeless depression. He had intended to make an engagement with Nan to visit the little home. It was impossible to suggest it in the mood he had found her. What strange madness had come over the woman he loved? They had never discussed money before. Bivens was the only explanation.