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“Do you mean that I shall not be—going on with the Family I think I’d sooner start one of my own. When I do want a son, why should I mind giving him my new name? Haven’t I as good a chance———”

“Tony, listen! I know you’ve had to carve your own way, practically always. We all know that some people have to do that, while others have a path very clearly shown them—a path it’s their duty and privilege to walk in. Now, very unexpectedly, that path has suddenly opened before you. You can’t refuse to walk in it.”

“Oh, yes, I can! Alison, divine right never did appeal to me.”

“You have no right to risk your life in that way, Tony. You’ll probably never come out of that desert alive.” Her voice shook. “And—and it’s absolutely wrong to throw yourself away like that. This isn’t the sort of thing one should die for. And even if you get through somehow, things will be—all tangled. There’s no reason in it. Tony give it up!”

“Alison, I’ve told you how little I care for names and families. I can’t take all that seriously.”

“Oh, you’re young, you’re young, dear! You’ll change your mind.”

“Well, wait till I do, and then say I told you so. . . . Alison dear, you aren’t cross?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Please don’t be!”

“No, Tony, I hate your idea, and nothing but harm can come of it. Do give it up!”

He only shook his head. She had not expected much, and she was right.

“Sorry,” he said, “but I can’t. Don’t let’s argue any more—besides, I can hear the others coming downstairs.”

Alison went away then, for the first time really angry with her Little Boy. She had not supposed he would fall in