possible clue to the cause for a certain amount of interest, but none whatever as to what sort of a purpose might be attached. I wish that I could tell you, for that agile brain of yours might work it out; but I just can't," and he shook his head ruefully.
Bert pondered. "He's engaged to Kat, I suppose," she said, slowly; "and it might be that they are afraid that Mr. Morton might leave something to Evalani's child and cut them out of a few thousands. I don't know. I'll mull this much over in my mind for a while, anyway. One thing more, can you tell me whether you have made any headway in the direction of leading the girl toward a talk with Mrs. Walters?"
"Well," said Dick, more cheerfully; "I've somewhat overcome her prejudice against me for the time being. It is possible that I might sometime be able to bring up a question which would tend toward some such suggestion,—but not yet. It is a pitifully sore subject, of course, considering all of the relationships involved, and it won't be easy to bring matters around to such a point; but I'll do my best."
Bert rose to go. "Well," she said; "if the way ever opens for you to put me into touch with the girl, don't let the opportunity slip. The poor child is living a dreadful life, alone with that tragic baby and the old Hawaiian grandmother. I have a lot of sympathy for her and I believe that if I could just
