“Since I caused the tears, you must let me stop them,” said Peter.  He had produced his own handkerchief, and was made happy by seeing Leonore bury her face in it, and re-appear not quite so woe-begone.

“I—­only—­didn’t—­know—­you—­could—­talk—­like—­like that,” explained Leonore.

“Let this be a lesson for you,” said Watts.  “Don’t come any more of your jury-pathos on my little girl.”

“Papa!  You—­I—­Peter, I’m so glad you told me—­I’ll never go to one.”

Watts laughed.  “Now I know why you charm all the women whom I hear talking about you.  I tell you, when you rear your head up like that, and your eyes blaze so, and you put that husk in your voice, I don’t wonder you fetch them.  By George, you were really splendid to look at.”

That was the reason why Leonore had not cried till Peter had finished his speech.  We don’t charge women with crying whenever they wish, but we are sure that they never cry when they have anything better to do.

CHAPTER XL.

OPINIONS.

When the ride was ended, Leonore was sent home in the carriage, Watts saying he would go with Peter to his club.  As soon as they were in the cab, he said: 

“I wanted to see you about your letter.”

“Well?”

“Everything’s going as well as can be expected.  Of course the little woman’s scandalized over your supposed iniquity, but I’m working the heavy sentimental ‘saved-our-little-girl’s life’ business for all it’s worth.  I had her crying last night on my shoulder over it, and no woman can do that and be obstinate long.  She’ll come round before a great while.”

Peter winced.  He almost felt like calling Watts off from the endeavor.  But he thought of Leonore.  He must see her—­just to prove to himself that she was not for him, be it understood—­and how could he see enough of her to do that—­for Peter recognized that it would take a good deal of that charming face and figure and manner to pall on him—­if he was excluded from her home?  So he justified the continuance of the attempt by saying to himself:  “She only excludes me because of something of which I am guiltless, and I’ve saved her from far greater suffering than my presence can ever give her.  I have earned the privilege if ever man earned it” Most people can prove to themselves what they wish to prove.  The successful orator is always the man who imposes his frame of mind on his audience.  We call it “saying what the people want said.”  But many of the greatest speakers first suggest an idea to their listeners, and when they say it in plain English, a moment later, the audience say, mentally, “That’s just what we thought a moment ago,” and are convinced that the speaker is right.

Peter remained silent, and Watts continued:  “We get into our own house to-morrow, and give Leonore a birthday dinner Tuesday week as a combined house-warming and celebration.  Save that day, for I’m determined you shall be asked.  Only the invitation may come a little late.  You won’t mind that?”