Good-bye, Robert! Good luck!" "Good-bye, Hector! _Bon voyage!_" The young artist remained by the table, while his sister followed her lover to the door.

In the dim light of the hall he could see their figures and overhear their words.
"Next time, little girl ?" "Next time be it, Hector." "And nothing can part us ?" "Nothing." "In the whole world ?" "Nothing." Robert discreetly closed the door.

A moment later a thud from without, and the quick footsteps crunching on the snow told him that their visitor had departed..