I would if I could." It may be that I spoke with a little feeling and an apparent honesty; for his eyes searched mine in a kind of earnest bewilderment, as if this could not be true--as if, indeed, life had gone so hard with him that he had forgotten the way of kindness.

Then he stretched out his hand and said brokenly: "I am grateful, believe me.

I cannot tell you just now, but I will soon, perhaps." His hand was upon the curtain of the door, when my steward's voice was heard outside, calling my name.

The man himself entered immediately, and said that Mrs.Falchion sent her compliments, and would I come at once to see her companion, Miss Caron, who had injured herself.
The Intermediate Passenger turned towards me a strange look; his lips opened as if about to speak, but he said nothing.

At the instant there came to my mind whom the picture on his breast resembled: it was Mrs.
Falchion.
I think he saw this new intelligence in my face, and a meaning smile took the place of words, as he slowly left the cabin, mutely refusing assistance.
I went to Mrs.Falchion's cabin, and met her outside the door.