Yes, there was the sound of a latch key turning in the lock! And, after stopping to pick up his telegrams, Tristram, all unexpecting to see any one, entered the room.
She rose unsteadily to meet him, as he gave an exclamation of surprise and--yes--pain.
"Tristram!" she faltered.

It seemed as if her voice had gone again, and the words would make no sound.

But she gathered her strength, and, with pitiful pleading, stretched out her arms.
"Tristram--I have come to tell you--I have never had a lover: Mimo was at last married to _Maman_.

He was her lover, and Mirko was their child--my little brother.

My uncle did not wish me to tell you this for a time, because it was the family disgrace." Then, as he made a step forward to her, with passionate joy in his face, she went on: "Tristram! You said, that night--before you would ever ask me to be your wife again, I must go down upon my knees--See--I do!--for Oh!--I love you!" And suddenly she bent and knelt before him, and bowed her proud head.
But she did not stay in this position a second, for he clasped her in his arms, and rained mad, triumphant kisses upon her beautiful, curved lips, while he murmured, "At last--my Love--my own!" * * * * * Then when the delirium of joy had subsided a little,--with what tenderness he took off her hat and furs, and drew her into his arms, on the sofa before the fire .-- The superlative happiness to feel her resting there, unresisting, safe in his fond embrace, with those eyes, which had been so stormy and resentful, now melting upon him in softest passion.
It seemed heaven to them both.