But what is there you can ask of me beyond my hand in yours, beyond all the comradeship which a woman who has more in her heart than she dare own, can give ?" Once more the door was opened below.

The voice of the singer came floating up.

Then it was closed again and the little passionate cry blotted out.

His lips moved but he said nothing.

It seemed suddenly, from the light in his face, that he might have been echoing those words which rang in her ears.