"  Then  why  condemn  them?  "

"  I  did  not ;  I  merely  reminded  you  that  she  is  a
celebrated  professional  model."

"  It  is  not  necessary  to  remind  me.  My  mother
laiows  it  and  will  stand  by  her.  Will  you  do  less  for
your  own  brother.''  "

"  Louis !  You  are  cruel,  selfish,  utterly  heart-
less  "

"  I  am  trying  to  think  of  everybody  in  the  family
who  is  concerned ;  but,  when  a  man's  in  love  he  can't

399


THE    COMMON   LAW


help  thinking  a  httlc  of  the  woman  he  loves — espe-
cially if  nobodjr  else  docs."  He  turned  liis  head  and
looked  out  of  the  window.  Stars  were  shining  faintly
in  a  luminous  sky.  His  face  seemed  to  have  grown  old
and  gray  and  haggard  :

"  I  don't  know  what  to  do,"  he  said,  as  though
speaking  to  himself; — "I  don't  know  where  to  turn.
She  would  marry  me  if  you'd  let  her ;  she  will  never
marry  me  if  my  family  is  unkind  to  her "

"What  icill  she  do,  then?  "  asked  Lily,  C00II3'.
For  a  moment  he  let  her  words  pass,  then,  turned
around.  The  expression  of  his  sister's  brightly  curious
eyes  perplexed  him.
"  What  do  3'ou  mean.?  "  he  asked,  disturbed.
