"Do you still live out on the Hill road?
I remember the four big white oaks." "No, Daren, I've left home," she said, with slow change, as if his words recalled something she had forgotten.

All the radiance vanished, leaving her singularly white.
"Left home! What for ?" he asked, bluntly.
"Father turned me out," she replied, with face averted.

The soft roundness of her throat swelled.

Lane saw her full breast heave under her coat.
"What're you saying, Mel Iden ?" he demanded, as quickly as he could find his voice.
Then she turned bravely to meet his gaze, and Lane had never seen as sad eyes as looked into his.
"Daren, haven't you heard--about me ?" she asked, with tremulous lips.
"No.

What's wrong ?" "I--I can't let you call on me." "Why not?
Are you married--jealous husband ?" "No, I'm not married--but I--I have a baby," she whispered.
"Mel!" gasped Lane.