The Kingdom Round the Corner

hat we've been sayi

e bridge the river flashed, dimpled here and there by rapid feet where breezes, like adventurous children, rushed across it. He noted the bowed windows of little houses along the banks, their whitened steps and shining brasses. He caught the far-blown fragrance of hyacinths; it set him dreaming of drifting bloom and flower-strewn ways of woodlands. A happy world, whatever the mental state of its inhabitants! A world which was doing its bravest

more important things to talk about. Speaking absent-

d looked away, creating the impression

ve known he's the one who's most truly a gentleman; he's the one who has given most promise and who has fewest accomplishments to his credit. He may have puzzled you as his sister-in-law; but to me,

" She had turned deliberately that she might watch the effect of h

ealized that he was unconsciously adopting the tones of an elder. "That was a terribly modern accusation for you to mak

e learnt the way into all the clubs and fashionable hotels; they've spent money like water; they've been the companions of men and women whom they couldn't have hoped to have met unless the war had shaken us all out of our class-snobbishness. But now that the war's ended, these men whom every one flattered for their bravery and whose social failings they excused while there was fighting to be done, have become worse snobs than ourselves. They've been educated out of the class for which they were fitted. War was thei

e nothing; he lost nearly everything he had. Moreover, whatever faults he may have, he's always been a thorough-bred-a stickler for honor; the kin

"He isn't now. He's standing o

erry had never argued. He glanced at her; she was smiling in a sorry, amused fashion. It made him feel that in accusing Adair sh

he wasn't up to physical standards. He tried every trick, but was always turned down. He didn't like to be seen about town; he felt that people were accusing him of being a slacker. He looked so well that he had always to be explaining why he wasn't in the trenches. It tried his temper. Wherever he went soldiers were being treated as heroes. Women were pleased to be seen escorted by a uniform-his own wife as well. And I'm boun

talks of nothing else. As for Daddy, Phyllis was always his favorite and he adores her children. He goes about trying to find some one who'll volunteer to horsewhip Adair. I can't say that I feel that way myself." Her hand stole out and touched his arm caressingly; it seemed as though she were appealing for herself. "We've all either done or are on the verge of doing something foolish that we're sure to regret. It's not a time to be hard on anybody.

thing positive," he compla

what I have been telling you. He's

g to believe wh

ough to hold any man. She was such a loyal little pal-only second best to you, Terry. And Adair-he was such a white man, so patient with her and so devoted to the kiddies. I can't see him in

ymptom of our illness. You said something a little while ago about trying to regain one's lost years by violence-tha

ainst the facts. "But he wa

od for that. Taborley will be able to do something.' He has a pathetic belief in you, Tabs. One of the reasons why I was at the station this morning was that I might have the chance to tell you first, before any one else had prejudiced you with bitterness

y n

I've se