He now thanked his fortune that he had not precipitately given up his room there, for a telegram from Paula awaited him.

His hand almost trembled as he opened it, to read the following few short words, dated from the Grand Hotel, Genoa:-- 'Letter received.

Am glad to hear of your journey.

We are not returning to Nice, but stay here a week.

I direct this at a venture.' This tantalizing message--the first breaking of her recent silence--was saucy, almost cruel, in its dry frigidity.