"I understand nothing of such things; I have never had anything to do with them, and I am certainly not going to begin now, and with you." He gathered up the papers impatiently, thrust them back into the pocketbook, which he closed with a snap, and seeing Pilar standing there like a disappointed child balked of a surprise, he added: "However, I am grateful for the suggestion, as it helps me out of a dilemma.

I was at a loss in what form to put what I must say to you--you have helped me in the nick of time.

Pilar," he drew her on to his knee and kissed her, "at the seaside the matter was very simple, we had only to divide the bill between us.

That will not do here.

I am not well enough off to defray half the expense of such an establishment as yours." "Oh, Wilhelm!" she exclaimed, horror-stricken, and attempted to jump down, but he held her fast and continued: "I know this subject is painful to you, so it is to me; but, as you said yourself, it must be settled once for all.