I stood watching her for a few moments, then sat down cross-legged before her.

“Why do you doubt me, Lois?” I asked.

“Dear sir, I do not doubt you,” she answered with faintest malice.

“I tell you I am not of that stripe!” I said angrily.

“Then you are not a man at all. I tell you I have talked with men as good as you, and heard them protest as you do — yes, with all the gentle condescension that you use, all of your confidence and masterful advice. Sooner or later all have proved the same,” she shrugged; “ — — proved themselves men, in plainer words.”

She sat eating thoughtfully, looking aloft now and then at the thick splendor of the firmament.