I must be in my place when the light of day comes." She was so earnest that I felt I must not oppose her wish; so I, too, sprang to my feet and ran towards the window.

I pulled the curtain aside sufficiently far for me to press back the grille and reach the glass door, the latch of which I opened.

I passed behind the curtain again, and held the edge of it back so that she could go through.

For an instant she stopped as she broke the long silence: "You are a true gentleman, and my friend.

You understand all I wish.
Out of the depth of my heart I thank you." She held out her beautiful high-bred hand.