I know it, Byron admitted. I'm not. So don't you think it's just as well to let things stand as they are?
Personally, I certainly do think so, Adora averred. As a matter of fact, I advised her to marry Randolph Pettijohn.
The Bolito King!
Himself.
Why, you wouldn't want her to marry a man like that, would you?
Rather any man than a poor thing like you! Her voice was harsh. Rannie's self-made. He's a rough diamond. He isn't educated, but at least he's good and kind. He's a man, she affirmed. He would have made her a good husband. I told her so. She couldn't see it. She turned him down the day she met you.
The day . . .
Yes, at my house on Long Island, and I've always thought you were the reason she turned him down.
That isn't possible. I scarcely saw her that day.
I don't care. I believe it was the reason. Do you know anything about Mary? She's always been noted for her coldness towards men. Then you come along and she reacts like a volcano that has smouldered for years and unexpectedly begins to toss hot rocks into the air. . . . It doesn't seem to me that you are particularly unusual or desirable. Oh, you're good-looking enough, but just a light-weightft, after all. Nevertheless, Mary wants you. She al-
