With an effort, however, he restrained himself; leaning back on his pillows he said quietly: "Tell me all about it! All you know! Every detail! Omit nothing! But stay; first lock the door! I want to know, before I see anyone, exactly how things stand." Somehow his last words made my heart leap.

"Anyone!" He evidently accepted me, then, as an exception.

In my present state of feeling for his daughter, this was a comforting thought.

I felt exultant as I went over to the door and softly turned the key.

When I came back I found him sitting up again.