As she ran behind the screen, and, as far as sound could inform me,--began frantically to disrobe herself of the warm dressing-gown and to don again the ice-cold wet shroud, I pulled back the curtain from the window, and drew the bolt of the glass door.

As I did so she was already behind me, shivering.

As I threw open the door she glided out with a swift silent movement, but trembling in an agonized way.

As she passed me, she murmured in a low voice, which was almost lost in the chattering of her teeth: "Oh, thank you--thank you a thousand times! But I must go.

I _must_! I _must_! I shall come again, and try to show my gratitude.