On this latter point he poured out his whole heart, and Jim himself was deeply affected by the revelation of his gratitude.

He tried in vain to protest, for Mr.Benedict, having found his tongue, would not pause until he had laid his soul bare before his benefactor.

The effect that the presence of the sympathetic woman produced upon his _protege_ put a new thought into Jim's mind.

He could not resist the conviction that the two were suited to one another, and that the "little woman," as he tenderly called her, would be happier with the inventor than she would be with him.

It was not a pleasant thought, but even then he cast aside his selfishness with a great struggle, and determined that he would not stand in the way of an event which would crush his fondest hopes.