If strange things happen to me will you let Frank come back before the five years are out ?" What did she mean?
Was she clinging desperately to the hope of melting Michael Vanstone's heart?
Mr.Clare could draw no other conclusion from what she had just said to him.

At the beginning of the interview he would have roughly dispelled her delusion.

At the end of the interview he left her compassionately in possession of it.
"You are hoping against all hope," he said; "but if it gives you courage, hope on.

If this impossible good fortune of yours ever happens, tell me, and Frank shall come back.

In the meantime--" "In the meantime," she interposed sadly, "you have my promise." Once more Mr.Clare's sharp eyes searched her face attentively.
"I will trust your promise," he said.