.

A PAGAN SACRIFICE.
Three steps from the Countess's chamber door, the knot of Evan's resolution began to slacken.

The clear light of his simple duty grew cloudy and complex.

His pride would not let him think that he was shrinking, but cried out in him, 'Will you be believed ?' and whispered that few would believe him guilty of such an act.

Yet, while something said that full surely Lady Jocelyn would not, a vague dread that Rose might, threw him back on the luxury of her love and faith in him.