But about the great lady ?" "Not a word about her--on your life--and mine.

You shall hear from me shortly.

And now, sweetheart--good-night." "Good-night," said Betty, but still she did not stir.
Then, understanding that she expected something more, d'Aguilar nerved himself to the task, and touched her hair with his lips.
Next moment he regretted it, for even that tempered salute fanned her passion into flame.
Throwing her arms about his neck Betty drew his face to hers and kissed him many times, till at length he broke, half choking, from her embrace, and escaped into the street.
"Mother of Heaven!" he muttered to himself, "the woman is a volcano in eruption.

I shall feel her kisses for a week," and he rubbed his face ruefully with his hand.

"I wish I had made some other plan; but it is too late to change it now--she would betray everything.