Had he not given Forsythe the right to insult him?
Would not he have protected himself against any man's prying?
Gifford blushed hotly in the darkness.

"But not to use Lois's name,--not that! Nothing could justify the insult to her!" Mary came in to lock up, and started with fright at the sight of the dark, still figure.

"Lord! it's a ghost!" she cried shrilly.
"I am here, Mary," he said wearily.

"I'm going home now." And so he did, walking doggedly through the storm, with his head bent and his hands in his pockets, forgetful of Miss Deborah's thoughtfulness in the way of rubbers, and only anxious to avoid any kindly interruption from his aunts, which their anxiety concerning damp clothes might occasion.

But he could not escape them.